I have an older Kenmore also and it sews rings around the other machine I had, a Singer newer model. Why I started using the Singer I'll never know, the Kenmore sews beautifully. Got it out the other day, cleaned it up, oiled where it needed and started sewing. I got it sometime in the 60's, it was my first owned sewing machine and I'll never give it up. Going to use it this morning to start sewing on a quilt top.