My sympathies! Having my only machine down (a 35-year old Kenmore) made me go out to look for a backup machine. I wanted another Kenmore so that my accessories would be interchangeable and ended up finding a nice lightweight Kenmore at an estate sale for only $65. When that one went down a couple of weeks ago (loss of tension) and I took it to my local sewing machine repair guy, he informed me that the newer Kenmores are made by Janome. Having a backup machine has saved me more than once and I recommend it highly. I'm even considering getting a third machine just in case.