Thread: Has the world changed so much in the last 30 years, or is it me?

Originally Posted by cricket_iscute

I made a decision just yesterday and y'all are making me rethink it. I have a Kenmore here, a good one, and one I have partially meched/serviced. It still needs me to fix the reverse button. I do like the way it was engineered, very intelligently. It is in a Kenmore cabinet and given to me for free, since I make quilts for homeless people. I thought that the 20 or so decorative stitch cams were the value of it, and decided that, since I needed the space I'd give away the machine. But I had better rethink that, because of what you are all reminding me of the quality. It is my only Kenmore. I'll get that machine out tomorrow and do some decorative quilting stitches on it and see what I think then. Thanks!

I have four or five Kenmore machines here now and one at Miriams house in Indy waiting to be picked up. I've found the late 60s and 70s vintage ones are much quieter and run better than the same vintage Singer 338, 413, 518 and 538 we have.

Besides, a cabinet machine doesn't really take up that much space. It's only when you get a dozen of them that you run out of room ... fast.

Joe

Joe, if I had gotten down on the floor I'd of had 2 Chihuahuas, 1 Jack Russell, and 2 cats walking on me. They'd all think I was down on the floor for them! I can picture you on the floor with the cat walking on you!

You know, I think we all have learned so much about sewing machines since joining this group. I have 3 plastic wonder machines. Like Sharon, I have one because of the 16" throat. I also have a modern very expensive embroidery machine that I do not use to sew with because everytime I have tried to use it for everyday sewing I end up messing it up and it costs me $500 to get it fixed! I use that machine for embroidery only.

I was like most people, I wanted something modern! I didn't want an 'old' machine when I was younger! Now, I have close to 60 antique and vintage machines that I use all the time - mostly treadling! I think we all live and learn about quality. I love the vintage machines, but I love sewing machines period - even the newer throw away ones, although, I don't buy them anymore. I have one Janome I do use to take to classes occassionally, although, I usually use a FW or 301 in classes.

My husband is like you. He could easily live in 1912, but I do like the modern things of today, although, not so much the poor quality of most of our stuff. My DH can't stand it that a frig, washer, etc., are only suppose to last 5 years today. When we were kids our folk's frig lasted 30 years! It is a throw away world. I am just thankful that there are so many of us that appreciate the vintage machines! The problem now is that to get really good quality anything, you have to pay through your teeth - which most of us can't afford. Sad.

Nancy

Time Flies ............... boy does it.

Yesterday on some TV show a lawyer was asking someone what they did on their 18th birthday.

I tried to remember what I did on that birthday. I cannot remember, it was too long ago.

Joe

Originally Posted by auntpiggylpn

Oh, my. . . I don't think kids of yesteryear could have lived without Sears! That's where our clothes came from. Remember "ToughSkin" jeans for boys?? All of our appliances came from Sears and were Kenmores. Back in the 80's when the microwaves were becoming popular, my dad took me and my brother to Sears with him to buy one. (My mother passed away in the early 80's and dad really thought the microwave would be beneficial in cooking!) My dad picked out a middle of the line Kenmore microwave, and it was over $400! and put it on his Sears card and we hauled it home. It was HUGE!!! You could put a 9 X 13 casserole dish in it. That microwave lasted 22 years!!! Now they have a life span of 1-2 years.

I learned to sew on a Sears Kenmore sewing machine. Earlier this year, I found the exact same model in a table at Goodwill and paid $10 for it. When I sew on it, it takes me back to a different time, when life was so much simplier.

I just looked at our BIG microwave. It's a Whirlpool made September 1993. It will be 20 years old this coming year. We use it every day and all we've done with it is replace a fuse. Like yours we can put a 9x13" casserole in it with room to spare.

I wouldn't want to spend the money to replace this one. I think I'd do without first.

Joe

There is nothing out there that is made to last. There is almost nothing being manufactured in this country anymore. If these items were manufactured in this country with the high cost of wages, we would not be able to afford to purchase them. I would like to go back in time to where there was pride in what this country turned out.

Originally Posted by J Miller

Besides, a cabinet machine doesn't really take up that much space. It's only when you get a dozen of them that you run out of room ... fast.

Joe

Well, Joe, it's like this....
I have a house that dreams of expanding to 1,000 square feet from it's actual 800 square feet. Every inch is used to the best advantage. I have ten machines in cabinets in the house and more machines that go into my main sewing table as needed. About 30 machines in all, mostly vintage or antique. I use all of them. I have not purchased a machine since I got forced into an early retirement by the economy three years ago. But I am given machines for two reasons: 1) I make quilts for homeless families - have given 413 so far with more on the way - and people think of me when they have a machine to give away. People sometimes sew with me, and I've discovered that they expect me to provide the machine and all supplies. 2) I am a certified sewing machine mechanic and people give me machines when they can't get them to work. I often pass on machines, for free, to those who need them after I fix them.

This house just doesn't seem to want to grow with my collection, so the collection has to shrink.