Originally Posted by thepolyparrot

Depending upon the condition and availability of accessories, it's possible that your "boat anchor" could turn into your favorite machine.

My Kenmores (from the 50's-70's) are heavy, like Cadillacs. No vibration, no walking themselves off of tables - they're smooth as silk and have ten times the power of your Singer Simple. They are amazing free-motion quilting machines, but they do virtually everything and do it well.

Sears sold nothing but quality for a long time - their machines were intended to last a lifetime.

The fact that yours isn't working could be for nothing more serious than the needle put in incorrectly or the bobbin not threaded right or the machine just needing oil. :)

It's possible that for the cost of a complete servicing, you'd have a fabulous, dependable machine that will still be sewing fifty years from now... about 45 years after the Simple is landfill. ;)

Don't give up on the old gals - they were made to last and they do! :)