Yes, that trend has been increasing over time not only for sewing machines, but for most 'durable' goods whether it be home appliances, electronics, cars, etc.

Thank you for sharing this Sandy. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

When I grew up in the 50-60s, my mom taught me to make bound button holes with “lips” and hand worked button holes too! My home ec teacher was amazed!

Thank you for the history. This is amazing to know.

Thank you Doras. Oh, and you kept your machine in a great place. Climate controlled storage is always best for machines.

That is awesome!

Nice to hear.

Update: I fixed it easily & she’s already completed a few projects! Beautiful machine, built to last.

Great deal. Better than any I've ever gotten.

Thanks for sharing!

Sounds great!

I have that very machine. It was purchased new back in the '70's by my mom. I learned to sew on it and still do. Enjoy.

Thanks for sharing!

Me too. It wasn't until watching videos that I started to appreciate the machine. With a little luck, I imagine you can find a Kenmore needing a new home.

I Have two Viking Husqvarnas that need restoration. I got them because I was enchanted by their decorative stitching cams. @vintagesewingmachinegarage , would you consider tutorials on restoring vintage Viking Huskvarnas?

Thank you! 😃

Love the stitching.❤

Sounds like you got yourself a bargain Diana.

Our pleasure!

I always turn up the volume on my mic as much as possible to make sure the video sound comes through. Most of the vintage machines I've had are remarkably quiet; especially considering they are all steel mechanicals.

Look on line for a manual to your machine. You will need the model #, if haven't seen it, yet. It is on a plate on the plug and switch end of machine. Sometimes can be found on Ebay, or Etsy. Good luck.

It threads very much like most 15 class machines, and so does the bobbin. Be sure presser foot is in up position when threading machine. Bobbin goes into case with thread looking like the number 6. If pull top of 6 thread unwinds clockwise. Search YT for how to thread a class 15 vintage sewing machine, and for winding class 15 bobbin and threading case, inserting in vertical sewing machine, or front loading machines. Hope this helps some. There are many videos for different model machines, pick one that looks similar to yours.

These were produced in Taiwan circa 1978-1981.

How awesome for you. If you maintain and care for that machine, it will last for even more generations. It's one of the last heirloom quality machines ever made!

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage well i love machines and anything mechanical in nature. She took very good care of it and it was serviced back in 2015, but i went ahead and followed your guide on oiling it and it runs smooth and quiet.

I understand your wishing that you had kept yours. But the good news is, there are LOTS of them still around today if you wanted to search for one.

Thanks for sharing!! It is always a great opportunity to hear from someone who knew a machine when it was new!!

@@daxxydog5777 I believe $250

Oh no Ronald. I wish it were. That machine is on hold again and I may try it next summer. The demand for restored sewing machines has kicked into high gear with Winter setting in and so I've been quite busy in my spare time overhauling other models that I have. They are selling within less than a week which does not happen during summer months. My current inventory waiting on me includes: 3 Singer 301A models (2 black and one beige); 1 Singer 401A, 1 Singer 201 direct drive model, 1 Japanese clone 'Universal' labeled, 1 White Rotary that I've shown in a past video, and a Singer 66 with Simanco hand crank just acquired. And there may be others that have slipped my mind. I would like to get to these as soon as I can.

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I look forward to and enjoy every one of your videos. Stay well 🙏.

Sears was so powerful back then that they often could and did request special features in their machines. The bobbin winder tire you need is a bit larger than those for most machines of its time. Use the model # for your Kenmore and search online (Ebay, Etsy, Bonanza,)

Is it still available for purchase?

This particular one was sold some time back, but I have another one waiting on me to overhaul. If you are in the GTA area of Southern Ontario, I would be happy to show it to you when its finished. I don't ship machines due to very unhappy past experiences with shippers.

Thank you for sharing. Remarkable really when you calculate for inflation, that machine today would cost over $1600 and that is without a table!! Given what a plastic machine averages in price at Walmart ($120-175), it literally would cost 10 times what a plastic machine can be had for today. You really do get what you pay for (most of the time)

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage AGREED!!

Oh no, that machine is currently still a 'basketcase' and I may try again to degunk it this summer. I have it still though.

Try now Bonnie. You should be able to view that video now.

That model was made towards the end of the all metal machines. While much of that machine is high quality steel like those I overhaul, note the selector knob on top of the machine that is plastic geared. If the machine is in great condition, it could be a strong sewer for you, but use extra caution and I would not offer as much as I would a 100 % all metal model.

Hi ginny. That machine sold in just a few days. I find that Fall through Spring brings a lot more interest in sewing and machines. If you search under sewing machines Kitchener Waterloo Ontario, you will find at least one that I have listed (Kenmore 158.1752). Its a two toned Green/White model.

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I was interested too and couldn't find your listings. For some reason thought you were located in North Carolina.

Good for you selling it so fast! How do I contact you to service heritage/vintage machines? I’m obsessed with keeping them out of landfill. Thanks again for your informative videos.

Check out Ebay, Etsy, and Bonanza.com. FYI, there is an adapter that you can search for that will allow you to use Low Shank feet on these machines.

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage Thank you!

Sadly I was unable to use adapter and snap-on feet. But can use the adapter with low shank screw on feet. Not as easy, but does give me choices. Do you know if your machine is a left, center, or right home position machine? Makes a difference if feet will work. Also, if do find the super high shank feet, they are not cheap usually $25 and up each, and hard to find. That's master adapter P60666 for super hi shank machines.

Fortunately, Kenmores were very big sellers back in the day and were a primary competitor to Singer so they were made in large numbers. Try searching Ebay, Etsy, and Bonanza.com You should be able to find what you are seeking and prices for these are not super high. Main thing to note is to be sure it is compatible with YOUR model Kenmore. Kenmores were made for over 100 years so not ever attachment will fit yours.

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage thank you for the info I will use it to the best of my ability. And hopefully my wallet doesn't take a significant hit LOL.

Many sellers of these machines and accessories don't know anything about machines or sewing. So as pointed out be sure will fit your machine model and presser foot type. There are several buttonholers and they are not interchangeable. You will also need buttonhole foot, and correct plate also. Be careful do your homework.

Likely, either someone loaned it out to a friend with the same machine or it got separated from the box.

I bought a Kenmore 158.1941 I believe, it was the year before top of the line. It was clearance priced for $329.00 dollars. Sears let me put it on layaway.. It was a lot of money for me at the time. I sewed for myself,my kids ( mostly Halloween costumes) but I feel like it really paid for itself the year Cabbage Patch dolls came out and people couldn't get them. I bought the pattern and made around 3 dozen that year and they went fast.

I see I left out the year bought in 1977.

In 1977 I purchased Sears top of the line Kenmore sewing machine on close out sale, which was probably their 1976 model. I think it was model no. 158.1941 but am not positive. It looks like the one demonstrated in this video. It came with 4 boxes of accessories. Button hole, Monogrammed attachment, multiple feet,and cams that fit under the lid. Never even played with the monogrammed. They sold on close out the machine ( no cabinet ) for $329.00.I had to put it in lay-a-way because we had no credit card. I do not know how much it cost before close out. It was a great machine.

I typically say not to that idea. Have others tried it before? Yes. I suppose if the upholstery fabric were light enough in weight, it might work. But I've noted many fabrics for that use are quite heavy and often backed with materials such as rubber/vinyl that home sewing machines don't care for. If you decide to try it, be sure to use a Jeans rated needle and go slow. Also, the project should be small and not for regular production work. Personally, if I had your kind of project, I would look into an industrial or light industrial machine.

Shoot. Well I don't have this machine, but I am very glad you clarified that for me. (Was looking to buy one) last question: I know you have a video on the Kenmore C877.50 sewing machine (blue with wavy letters) and maybe that can do more upholstery. I have done lots of research to try and find a Kenmore sewing machine which can do this and is easy to find, but can't find many videos about it. Currently I have the Kenmore 117-959 which I use for some upholstery, but I feel like the rubber wheel which spins up against the wheel slips at slow speeds. Maybe the other model, with the rubber drive belt, gets better friction/control? Do you know if this is true? I would buy an industrial sewing machine but I find they are usually too big for my space and the portable ones are incredibly hard to find. (At least the one I want) Any guidance would be great!

@@VintageSewingMachineGarage I have a Kenmore collection, most of which are waiting for attention - I love the all-metal (and some mostly-metal) Kenmore Line - they're solid, dependable, and highly functional. One of them I have is the 120-49, maybe you know of it. It's an ugly beast, but it has a 1.5 amp Delco motor and a chain drive. It DOES have a bit of nylon or plastic as part of the stitch length control, but mine seems to be in pretty good shape. I cleaned it thoroughly, oiled it (avoiding the plastic) and bought some size 16 needles. Then I tested it with more and more layers of denim. I was still adding layers at #8 an it went through them like they were butter. I'm just knowledgeable enough to not use it constantly for heavy fabric but it will come in handy for some drapes and decor items I'm making. It's quite a machine and something of an oddball as it wasn't made overseas and is VERY different than almost all their other models. I THINK it was made by a division of Chrysler, and Delco is also a Chrysler brand if I'm correct.