I bought a sewing machine, lol. No, not a vintage, tho I would have loved to have found one. You all are such bad influences, lol. I was wandering thru the S.A. thrift store that carries all the really nice goodies, and saw a Kenmore sitting there, just minding its own business. It's a model 385.

It had the sales slip tucked inside the bag that contained the foot pedal, the accessories and some thread, a measuring tape. The original owner bought it in 2003, and has had it cleaned and oiled each year. She put the sales slip in because the motor has a 25 year guarantee. Nice, huh?

It needs cleaned up some now, and they said they tried it, tho the bobbin case and parts that hold it in are not "in", tho they are there and look fine, but I think it will work just fine. And it was $14.99. How could I pass that up? If nothing else, it will make an excellent doorstop, lol.

Photos later, when I get it cleaned up and put together. Does anyone have one of these? Oh, and I do have the manual, so that's always a big help.

:thumbup:

Wow, congratulations and love the price

Sounds like it could be a great find. :)

The 385 is a prefix that identifies the manufacturer. The numbers that follow the "385." contain the actual model number. (if the number is 385.550721, the model number will be 55, 550 or even 5507 - the logic behind the numbering is missing a few spokes)

Kenmores are usually very good machines and I think 385 indicates that it's Janome-made. (tho the memory cells don't fire the way they used to, so if someone else knows better, they can certainly correct that ;) )

Can't beat it for $15. :)

Yup, the 385 prefix Kenmores are Janome made. I have 5 of them. They are usually nice dependable machines. Enjoy sewing!

Pat

I got my grandmother in law one at a yard sale and it works like a charm. It was brand new and in the origional box with styrofoam and had never been opened. The elderely gentleman was selling it at a yard sale because his wife had past away 2 yrs earlier and never got a chance to use it nor open it. I got it and a bunch of fabric for my grandmother to make aprons for $20.00. Made us both happy!

Model 385.15510200 The donor lived in Naples $$$$$ Florida

Sounds like a great deal. I hope you enjoy sewing/quilting on it.

Awesome price :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I just went and looked at my old Kenmore purchased in 1983 as a wedding present. 385.1249380. It's called a "10 Stitch".

It's a work horse. Nothing fancy, but sews a good straight stitch.

Gosh ... can't remember what my husband paid for it in 1983. I remember being excited because it didn't have "cams" like my mothers Kenmore did. I thought it was so modern!!

I did not know it was made by Janome. I guess that means I have two Janome's now. This one and her big sister the 6600.