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Old 07-14-2014, 02:55 PM
  #125  
Notwendy
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Milwaukee, WI from Columbia, SC
Posts: 455
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I just added # 6 yesterday! I started collecting mid century Japanese imports long before I started sewing and quilting. I just really enjoy the look.

I have 3 Kenmores: 158.540, 158.850 & 158.880. All are Japanese and absolute tanks. All the Kenmores came with a complete set of cams and are in their original cabinets.

I have a Penncrest 6550 (Japanese badged for JC Penney) that has panels that fold up to make a carrying case (missing 3 of 4). It was sold as the Swing 'n Sew in a mod box. If anyone has one they want to release into the wild, just let me know. : ) It is the lightest (the Kenmores are over 40 lbs each).

My American Beauty is in the original case but I need to rewire the cord. It is also very heavy.

My Montgomery Ward UHTJ1964 is from Taiwan and is the only one that has a speed control.

Now that I'm quilting I find myself using several (5 of 6 are functional) for different tasks/presser feet. They all make beautiful stitches but the Kenmores are mainly for quilting as they can take many layers easily. The Penncrest & MW are the only ones I consider truly portable.
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