Ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went to Sears yesterday and did not find one Kenmore machine. All they had were some Brothers and Singers and they were the lower end ones. I'm not a bells and whistle kind of gal so I guess one of them will suit my purpose. But, I can get one of those at Walmart a lot cheaper. I do have the cheapest model of Brother machines that they make and it has been a good one. Thats the one my DH took control of. I kinda want one that the feeddogs lower on so I can try FMQ! Thanks for all the good info!! By the way, I did learn that Singer went bankrupt and Janome bought them out. I just found a 15-91 at a yard sale. Has a bit of rust on the bobbin case but otherwise is beautiful. I'm trying to get her up and running. Had to download the manual to see how to thread her properly. Got to get her oiled and greased now.

I have an old Kenmore from my mom, it's at least 45 yrs old. Only machine I've ever had, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. That thing is a true workhorse! Even went through a flood, stayed under water for 3 days, and still sews like a dream!

I love Kenmores and Singers but I think the oldest one I have is from the early 50's. I really enjoy them. :thumbup:

Why don't you buy one of the vintage machines... You will fall in love with it.. or buy one from the 1970's.. I have the older machines that I use exclusively, and the one from 1970 for zig zag applique.. it will keep your cost down, and you can fix things yourself.. therefore you can continue saving foryour long arm.. If you don't like it, you can pass it to DH, and he will fall in love with it..

The newer Singer sewing machines are not what they used to be. I have just gotten rid of all my Singers at a flea
market. The Sewing Sewing Center where I took them to get them serviced will not even carry them to sell any
longer. I can't speak to Kenmores. I would caution you, however, not to buy a sewing machine at Walmart or
any other big chain store. The machines that are sold to the big chain stores are not the same as the machines
that are sold at dealers. The machines in the big chain stores are inferior, which is why they are sold more cheaply
than at a dealer. I would suggest you purchase through a dealer either a Brother or a Janome. I have two Brothers and one Janome. I have to say, contrary to the opinion of most sewers, that I prefer the Brothers, but to each his or her own. That's just me. Have fun shopping for a machine.

I understand the new Kenmores are not made by Janome. Do your research and be careful!

Singer or Kenmore
 

I just purchased a Brother CS6000i on Amazon. It is a $449 machine for $159.97. I have used it for the last three months with pretty much constant sewing and it works great. Prior to this I had a Kenmore for 25 years when it bit the dust and then bought another Kenmore that lasted 29 years and actually is still working. I gave it to my daughter in law and got the Brother since it was a great deal and it had more features than I had in the past. I didn't know Kenmore was made by Janome or I would have looked there again!

I have 2 Kenmores one about 20 years old and the other only a couple years old they are both work horses I piece quilts and send them for a long arm quilter to finish and these two machines never stall over multiple seam crossings. I also have a Brother and have used a Singer for years I find them all so reliable have never gone to one of the newer ones my Daughter has a Bernina that she loves but I am so happy with the use of these machines haven't even thought of going shopping for one. So give them a try I bet you are not unhappy either.

All of my machines are Brothers. I have a regular sewing machine with some decorative stitches CS8072, and PS1500 which is for quilting and a 1034 Serger too. In the past I have owned Singer and Kenmore and would never buy another one. My grandfather worked for Singer many many moons ago and that's when they were quality machines. I can not say the same for them now. As far as Kenmore, I wouldn't buy anything with the Kenmore name attached to it, including home appliances. They are just not built to last. The last Kenmore machine I owned had a never ending tension problem. No matter what the settings, thread, material or sewer behind the machine, it didn't sew properly.