Lavender Colored 1960's Sears Kenmore Sewing Machine
 

I'm contemplating this little cutie. Does anyone have one of these or know anything about it such as model number? http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/fuo/3536510623.html

Not sure about this one, but my neighbour has a sears machine with plastic parts...one essential piece broke and it took her a long time to find a replacement. I would test it out if you can...to see if it sews. like the color :)

Did they use plastic parts in the 1960's? I won't buy it before trying it out! I was wanting to do some internet research on it but don't know the model number

Not sure about the 60s but my Pfaff 1970s has plastic gears. It sews just fine, but it was very cheap (free) , so I didn't think I would lose out. I think as long as you like it and it sews - you should get it!

Not really sure about this machine, but it sure is a cutie!!!!

Great deals can be found on Craigslist and, depending where you live, the selection can be excellent
and you can see the machine and test it before buying.
Ask if you can plug it in and try it.
Does it work? Does it have any mechanical problems?
-Is it missing any parts? (They may not know.)
Does it come with a manual?
-Some sellers are extremely thorough and knowledgeable about machines, others are not.
Many sellers claim not to have the pedal, which allows them to claim no knowledge
of whether the machine works or not.
Take along a screwdriver and look under the hood - any plastic?
-If the machine does embroidery stitches, ask if you can see a stitch sample. Many people post a stitch sample.
-If it uses external cams, are the cams included with the machine?
-If it’s not a domestically-made machine, make sure it is wired for American outlets
-Test - does it sew forward and reverse?
-Do the feed dogs drop for doing free motion embroidery?
-Is there any rust?
-What condition is the wiring in? Are there any cracks in the wire or taped areas?
-Does it come with any attachments?

Thanks for that hint that sellers claim not to have the pedal so they "don't know whether it works or not"! I had puzzled over a few of these entries on ebay, wondering how so many machines get separated from their pedals, and now I know.

There is a purple Kenmore, that is highly sought after, called Lady Kenmore (I think that is the name). Do a search to compare pics. Do you know the model number?

I've bought a few Kenmore's on Craigslist, super cheap, and they are awesome machines!!

Some of those Kenmore's are extremely nice machines. The Lady Kenmore, Kenmore 89, was made by Pfaff in Germany and it is a highly prized machine. If you can get the model number do a google search of that particular machine.

Nancy

auntpiggylpn,

It's a Kenmore 158-52 series machine. ALL STEEL INSIDE, NO PLASTIC. It's made by Maruzen / Jaguar. They are very good machines. They use cams as well.

I have one that looks just like it for sale. Mine is a 158-523.

Joe