Kallen

I remember when my machine was being repaired and was gone for a week. I was miserable too. But like others have already said, you can find some really good deals at garage sales and Craig's list, etc. Good luck! I would hate for you to hang up your quilting.

MargeD

I feel your pain. I too had my Singer crash and burn several years ago, just days before the quilt I was machine quilting on was to be judged in a quilt show. I took it back to the shop where I bought it, he said it wasn't worth fixing because it wasn't mean to do the amount of quilting that I did. Duy!! I told him this when I bought the machine. Well, after lunch and a conference with my husband I went back to buy a Janome and he gave me full credit for what I had paid for the machine. I was desperate and also fortunate that I could afford a new machine at the time. I have since literally "Lucked out" by going to our local recycling center. After checking out the swap area I was just about to leave when a gentleman was bringing in an older Brother machine. I asked if it worked, he said yes, and I took it home to give to my daughter, as she wanted a sewing machine. It has been a great stand-in when I need to take my Janome in for a tune-up and yes, you guessed it, my daughter never got the machine. Then a year or two ago my girlfriend was at the recycling center and took home a Sears Kenmore machine, about the same vintage and with very similar bells and whistles, so now I have 3 machines. If you don't have a local recycling center, I would suggest going to consignment shops as well as checking out Craig's List, and yard sales. I picked up a Kenmore in a cabinet at my church yard sale and gave it to my daughter-in-law. I had also acquired a Singer for $25 at a yard sales several years ago, which I had loaned to my sister when her machine "bit the dust". When she passed away two years ago I was going to take it back and find a new home for it, but one of my nieces asked if she could have it for her daughter Kelsey and I couldn't refuse, for sentimental and one too many machines. Hang in there and keep an eye out and have your friends keep their eye out. PS. I switched repair shops several years ago when they said they had fixed my Janome and it didn't work right, so I took it to another sewing machine dealer who fixed it up that it ran better than it ever had. Check another dealer too.

BellaBoo

You can tell which company built any Kenmore sewing machine, simply by looking at the model number on the metal "nomenclature" plate. The first 3 digits before the decimal are the company code, while the remaining numbers are your model number.

117- White Sewing Machines (most USA, some models made in W. Germany)

119- currently unknown

120-New Process Gear (USA, a div. of Chrysler)

516-Gritzner Kaiser (West Germany)

158-Jaguar/Maruzen (mostly Japan, some Taiwan)

148-Soryu (Japan)

340-Necchi (Italy)

385-Janome (Taiwan) (Currently)

Most who are Kenmore experts say the 148 is the best made.

smitty

I agree with the lady about showing your vicinity. If you were near me, I would gladly help you find a machine. we
bought two at sales this morning for $10 each. those old mechanical Singers just can't be beat. I am talking pre-600
series. if you find a 201, grab it & run. singer 401 has lots of stitches, not the bells & whistles of new ones, but
prefect for piecing and so worry-free. see---everyone needs to have at least two sewing machines for times just like this !! good luck !

redbugsullivan

Yes! Freecycle is the way to go. Sometimes members are just waiting for someone that will love their machine. It is well worth joining and the folks you will meet are amazing. I am the proud owner of a 1892 National treadle machine and a 1951 Rotary Reversew from a fellow freecycle member. Freecycle works and the only price is the pick up.

glenda5253

Oh don't quit! I'm sure you can find an inexpensive machine at a yard sale, thrift store, dealer that takes in used machines. My Janome was a used machine and I love it. Could have never afforded it new but the Janome dealer encourages trade-ins for people like me.

#1piecemaker

Get a cheaper model until you can afford the one you want. Or,shop yard sale and estate sales. You don't have to quit!!!

Jackie R

Try your local stores for trade-ins. They always have them because of people wanting to trade in and buy new ones. Local ads might lead you to one or how about the computer avenue (e-bay?). Or get a more basic machine for now until you can get the one you really want. Don't give up - there's a machine out there with your name on it!

Gabrielle's Mimi

Don't give up...I just sold an older Bernina 730 Record for $100 at a yard sale. There are bargains out there. We quilters don't quit because of a minor set-back!!!

incoming2me

Ebay is a great place to look.
Often times, sellers don't want to hassle with shipping machines and will offer "local pick up only."
From what I've seen, these machine usually sell VERY cheap as by listing local pick up many buyers are excluded.

I've seen some wonderful machines sell for less than $25!

Now.... if I only had a handy dandy teleporter. I'd have a collection the likes no one has seen! lol