I appreciate reading your views on this thread. I was given a Kenmore 158.??? in a good cabinet and I have partially meched it (haven't got the top off yet- how does it come off?) It is in reasonable shape but the reverse button is damaged, but works. I have all the cams and the instruction book. It's one of 30 machines I have and use, and has decorative stitches the others don't have. When I did the first maintenance, I was impressed with the engineering. It's my first Kenmore and I understand the 158 series is very good? When I pieced my first quilt on it, I was disappointed because the smallest stitch seems to be 12 stitches to an inch, and I prefer 20 or even 30 that vintage Singers can offer for piecing quilts. I had to either back tack or sew over every seam. I have not tried to quilt on it; has anyone quilted on a Kenmore?
A stranger on freecycle is asking for a machine. She wants the Kenmore, but I'm not sure I want to give it up even though it's taking up valuable space and is actually in the way. I am trying to downsize in general and I may give her another machine. Her daughter broke the machine she had, a Janome, and I wouldn't like to see that happen to the Kenmore. Neither of them knows a lot about sewing or machines.
It sounds to me like most of you on this thread would keep the machine and find room. Is that right? Can anyone say anything that would help me decide to keep it and use it or give it away? Or maybe sell it? What would you do?
Last edited by cricket_iscute; 08-20-2013 at 10:13 AM.