Ellietow

I posted on 7/23/2012 about my Kenmore - "Old Kenmore - broken gear" (I bought her in 1979! I bought her because even back then, folks were saying that Singer was using more plastic parts). My sister-in-law in another state brought it to two repair shops, and they quoted about $400 in repairs would be needed - uh, not! I couldn't bear to junk it though, and brought it home to Texas. I recently found a repair shop nearby - and they fixed it for $56! The handwheel is still a little stiff, but I've been sewing on it - made a self-mitered baby blanket, pieced a quilt top, and made 2 fleece jackets with it! (There's a 30 day warranty on the repair work).

I discovered that it's missing a rear thread guide. Any thoughts on if it's a necessary piece? Does anyone have a Kenmore machine for parts, that could sell me one? ( I assume you can just "pop it in place"? )

Btw, I put my original post in the "Main" section, but from reading folks' replies, I discovered this forum - "For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts" ... and got really interested in vintage machines - as a result, I purchased a Singer 301a and 221 in 2012! (but it's stopping there - already don't have room!)

Here is my beautiful Kenmore:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]450323[/ATTACH] many happy memories with this machine
[ATTACH=CONFIG]450324[/ATTACH] see the missing thread guide on the right, on the back of the machine? There are supposed to be two of them, one for each spool holder