Keep or discard
 

I am so torn.

A little over a year ago my hubby and I went to an auction and I managed to snag an older Kenmore machine (Model 158.19412) complete with carrying case and attachments for a really great price - $5. The only problem - no foot controller. I can't remember even seeing one with the sewing machine. I thought maybe it was there, but then time has a way of playing tricks on my memory, and I cannot find it anywhere in this house. I do not know if I want to spend another $30-40 on this machine to order a foot control pedal. I have 6 machines now as it is. Another part of me is thinking that as soon as I get rid of this machine, the pedal will turn up in some unlikely place (maybe in a box of auction items that ended up in the shed, etc.) and then I will be really upset. This machine is in pristine condition otherwise. See my dilemma?

So, the question is should it stay or should it go?

It sounds to me that if you don't want to spend the money on the machine then maybe it should go. I'm sure if you list it on Craigslist, someone will love to get it and spend the money on the pedal. If the foot pedal ever shows up you can sell it or contact the buyer and offer it to them if they pick it up or pay to have it shipped :)

I know it's hard to let the mechanical babies go but sometimes they need to find new homes :)

Send me a pic of where it plugs in. I have an extra foot pedal where I ditched the machine and was going to just throw away. If it fits you can have it.

I had the same problem and went to a little sewing machine fix it shop. He had a box of extra controllers and cords. Maybe you can find a similar store near you. The controllers were around $5 I think.

Nena - I know why I love this board so much. Quilters are the best and such giving people. You have just restored my faith in humanity this morning.

Even spending anther 30.00 - 40.00 dollars you would have a cheap wonderful machine. If it were me, I would do it in a split second and never look back. Just what I know.

Thanks so much. I will get a pic later this evening and we'll go from there! Also, I never thought of contacting my local sewing machine repair man/woman. I will have to do some investigating as to who that is since I've never had to have a major repair done. Great suggestions!

This is the plug-in on this machine.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]441413[/ATTACH]

Below is an image taken from http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/
[ATTACH=CONFIG]441414[/ATTACH]

Thanks again for taking the time to look for me.

I sure would exhaust all avenues before I gave up the machine. Great bargain so don't let it get away now.

Just keep it put up until the foot control turns up but set yourself a deadline to get rid of the machine if the control doesn't turn up in a certain amount of time.

The cord for my Singer serger looks just like that. Maybe you have another machine with the same cord?

I'd be out in the shed looking for it! You only paid $5 for it. I would spend the money and pay the $30.-40. If after you get a new pedal and find the old one. Then you have a spare.

It seems like you really like the machine and would use it if you had the foot. Keep it and keep looking for a pedal. One will show up and be more affordable. I had the same with an older machine and it was also missing the tray but over time and with DH's help I have all parts now and use the machine all the time.

I have a Kenmore that I bought early 90s - heavy as a tank and my plug-in looks just like the pic above.

Maybe this guy has one?
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/for/4127737670.html

I have a Kenmore 158 series and it really is worth keeping and investing in a foot pedal. Don't get rid of it yet. Good luck, hope you get a pedal.

I agree with another Phyllis, where are you going to get another good mvhine for under $50.00? Plus if you still decide to sell it you would get much more for it.

The 19142 is considered the best Kenmore ever made. It looks really similar to the 158.19412 that you have. That said, I have yet to be disappointed with a 158 series Kenmore machine that I've serviced. They're really well built. If you don't keep it, please make sure someone else gets it instead of discarding it.

If you have a manual with it they would have a list of articles for that machine.

Post a picture of where the cord plugs into the machine. I also may have a cord for you.

I have an idea of your dilemma. I have a Kenmore 158 series machine (my only Kenmore) that was gifted to me in a nice cabinet along with all the cams, some feet, and the pedal. I like the machine but, without a small stitch - smallest is 12 to the inch - I am not going to make quilts on it. I made one, and had to go back and sew over every darn seam or I could have back tacked to begin with. I don't want to do that. It is good for decorative stitches, good for clothes, and people on this site have said what good machines these Kenmores are. I almost gave it away and then couldn't, surprising because I fix and give others away. I don't make clothes all that often, and I do have other machines I could use. I haven't tried to line quilt or fmq on it - has anyone done so on a Kenmore?

So I wonder - why is this such a hard machine to let go? Any ideas?

There is a repair person in Western Pa. who may have the petal/cord you need. I will email you direct.

I would check with a near by machine repair person. They may have one for sale as they often purchase used machines for hard to find parts on machines that come in for repair.

I agree totally. So many avenues to find used parts today. With a bit of effort, it would be a great machine.

Thanks for the offer. I posted a pick on page 1 of this thread at the bottom of the page.

Thanks for the lead. I'll try calling if I get the chance in the next day or so.

You might also want to check on ebay. There just might be one there and you may get it cheap. However that being said, I would be sure tto check out the serial number or model number that you need for that particular foot, just in case you find one, it is for that machine.