Friends, I'd like to introduce your formally to my new Kenmore zigzagger, with a short video I made.
I haven't used this machine on a project yet -- there hasn't been time -- but I will and soon. I love this Kenmore's power and the beautiful stitches it makes. And it's great having the sewing table, too, though it's the third one in our living room to date and things are getting rather cramped.
But that's my headache. Please sit back and relax and enjoy the soothing sound of a 1.2 amp sewing machine motor as played by an electronic foot pedal -- there's nothing like it!
Have a great day, everybody!
Posts
Peter, that was a sweet video. Great machine! But you must learn a zigzag machine lesson: I cringed when you changed your stitch to zigzag with the needle down - it can bend og break your needle and tear fine fabrics.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new machine!
You're right, Anne. Nerves, I guess.
ReplyDeleteWhat a bargain, Peter! Congratulations, I hope you make good use of it!
ReplyDeleteP.S.: The left stitch in your picture is called 'closed overlock stitch' and the middle one is 'honeycomb stitch'. The first one is elastic and is used to close and serge seam for materials which fray easily. You won't really need it since you have an overlocker. The second one is elastic, decorative stitch for ornamental hem finishing on stretch fabric, for decorative elastic application and sewing with elastic thread in the bobbin.
Thanks, Laura. Great to know!
ReplyDeleteSuper video. ;-)
ReplyDeletethat machine purrs!
ReplyDeleteGreat video. I love that t-shirt!
ReplyDelete~Sewjourner
The best part of the video was seeing your smiling face this morning. I do love the machine too. $20.00..now that is a bargain. Wow!
ReplyDeleteHow does your partner cope with all your machines and other sewing stuff? If I bought home another sewing machine my husband would quite possibly lose it, the whole family is constantly complaining about the sewing machines. Is it because you sew stuff for him that he likes that he is willing to put up with all the mess?
ReplyDeleteHi Peter,
ReplyDeleteI did not know this machine! Really great! The same japanese manufacturer did also sewing machines under commission for the old German warehouse Quelle under the name "Privileg", but just some special models. What we find here look completly different from the Kennmore, but they seem also high quality machines and have also many embrodery stitches. What class of bobbins it uses?
XO
Nice demo, Peter! I love the sound of a sewing machine--reminds me of many happy hours with fabric. Another tip from an old mechanical seamster: make it a new habit to raise the needle to its highest point each time you stop sewing. That puts you in the best position to keep your needle straight, or to change stitches if you want, from straight to zigzag & vice versa. The only times to stop with the needle down is when you are turning a sharp corner. This is an old habit that saved me many needles. Kristina
ReplyDeleteWow! That machine looks great - what a bargain at $20.00! I'll have to keep an eye out for one of those. At present I am EAGERLY awaiting the arrival of my Brother 1034D serger. I can't wait till it gets here - I'm anticipating many hours of productive and enjoyable sewing. I am also having my Pfaff 1471 tuned up this week. Look out sewing world, here I come!
ReplyDeleteGreat sewing machine and video Peter. What a bargain to boot, only $20 including the cabinet. How many sewing machines do you have now? Do you have a number limit? I have 14 sewing machines and one serger, I keep trying to downsize to only 8 machines but it is so hard. My Japanese made Piedmont from the 1960s was free and in mint condition!
ReplyDeleteOh! This is very similar to the Kenmore 1320 I just revived, but mine has fewer stitch options. Mine makes almost the same wonderful purring noise.
ReplyDeleteLUV the new addition.
ReplyDeleteMore videos please, Peter!
P.S. Your man is both a catch and a saint.
Thanks, everybody! Michael isn't exactly thrilled to have 3 sewing tables in the living room, but he hasn't issued any ultimatums (ultimata?)...yet.
ReplyDeleteThe Kenmore takes Class 15 bobbins -- no hard-to-find parts or accessories necessary.
Great video. Kenmores are often said to be workhorses. Well, I have heard that from many Kenmore owners who have had their machines for years.
ReplyDeleteDo you know if there are any videos around that demonstrate how to oil a sewing machine?
Thanks
Josette
Here's one Brian made:
ReplyDeletePART 1
http://www.youtube.com/user/BRemlinger?blend=8&ob=5#p/u/27/sf7DsEE02zM
PART 2
http://www.youtube.com/user/BRemlinger?blend=8&ob=5#p/u/26/zFE4IHTfhbs
Very enjoyable video, Peter. I noticed that you don't have to hold the needle thread for the first stitch to avoid that loopiness underneath. I think that's a really useful machine and you'll get so much work out of it!
ReplyDeletenice. i picked up a 1760 (158.17560)
ReplyDeleteits your modem with a cam for special stitches. unfortunatly mine needs work. i've been working getting it in the right modes. hopeing i can get it fixed. the feeddogs were stuck backwards and after some messing around i get a forward and reverse stitch but only with super tiny stitches.
oh well hopefully i can still get it happy. want a workhorse that can do zigzag so i can let the featherweight just do what it does best. Love the machine
Thank you Peter! I found the same machine and identical cabinet this past weekend at a thrift store in Arizona. I did not see a pedal or where it would be plugged into the machine. Seeing it was a real "WWPD" moment. 2 weeks prior I found an old FREE Westinghouse. Thank you again for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat video! I want a Kenmore 158.141 now! I can't believe how easily it stitched thru' all those layers of denim!!!
ReplyDeleteI was given a similar looking machine 158.1786080 by a friend who had received it as a gift and had no interest in sewing. Sadly the instruction book was missing. The machine appears to have the potential of doing many wonderful and amazing things, but since it is far more complicated than my 60 year old Singer 15-91, I can't seem to figure things out. I can make it go forward, backward, adjust the stitch length and tension. Whenever I try to make an adjustment with the top knob, I break a needle. I've done that way too many times. It is a wonderful sounding machine, has a terrific free arm feature, and great piercing power. Your post has encouraged me to make more use of it. The best feature for me is that it uses the same series 15 bobbins that most of my other machines use. Thanks for sharing all your sewing tips.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful machine.
ReplyDeleteWow, I have a very similar model in almost the exact same table. I put a cute little wicker chair with it and it looks pretty good in a mid-century /craigslist /granny chic way.
ReplyDeleteIt is a fantastic machine!
Great video, Peter!
I'm so jealous that you have the table. I have 2 of these machines and I love them so much. Right now I'm trying to determine what, if any walking foot to purchase for use with them.
ReplyDeleteI have one almost exactly like it - maybe the next step. In storage now-just needs a belt. I often think, if I had the space, I would get it a new belt and put it to work. A workhorse for sure. It was my first sewing machine - I made my wedding dress on it. Would never sell it!
ReplyDeleteHi Peter! 1st...Love your blog & your reviews on PatternReview. Anyway, as the original owner of a couple vintage Kenmores, I'm familiar with all their features. They're really great machines!
ReplyDeleteThe knob/switch that you said should be set to either one side or the other for forward/reverse stitches...not exactly correct. It's purpose is to balance your forward/reverse stitches. For example, to make both sides of your buttonholes identical...or to perfect your decorative stitches (or elongate or shorten them). You normally keep it set in the center...& move it to one side or the other to balance forward/reverse stitches.
In the picture of your stitches, the middle example is called the honeycomb stitch...& to look like the stitch in the manual, the points should touch each other. Soooooo, you would set that knob anywhere to the right or left of center to get that look. You can also use it to change the look of any forward/reverse stitch. If the left & right sides of your buttonhole are different, adjust the stitches there, too.
This feature is on many vintage Kenmores...on a lot of them , this knob/switch is on the back.
Thanks, Anonymous. Great to know!
ReplyDeleteJust want to thank you for the post, and for the link to Brian's video. I just found a 158.140 with the table on Craig's List and am making arrangements to see it. I have a fancy Shmancy Elna that is kind of persnickety and temperamental and I want something more work-horsey. You are my go-to guy now for sewing information, keep it coming.
ReplyDeleteWow, I will have to keep an eye out for one of those..I love the way it sailed through all that denim! I see lots of Kenmores at the local thrift shop; dayum , I probably missed out on one of those already! A mere 20 beanos for one of those? SCORE! You can get manuals on-line BTW.
ReplyDeleteI recently acquired a Husqvarna Viking 6644 (or something like that) for $10, but minus one cam thingy (out of four), the manual, and the foot pedal...it appears to have been hardly used; it has a virtually pristine throat plate, etc. But you never know how they have been stored, it might be all rusted out inside! It isn't "seized", so there's hope; One of these days I will take it in and get it looked at. The foot pedal isn't cheap: about $50. I needed it like a hole in the head, but I figured I couldn't let a Viking go by for only $10... Anyway. I enjoyed your video ...loved the little asides that would pop up, especially the one about "Get that guy a thesaurus!" Hilarious!
Thanks, Sufiya! The Viking sounds like a great find. Look around eBay -- you may find the pedal for less than $50.
DeleteHi, I also got this machine but can'tfind a manual online. Do you have any ideas or would you be willing to scan and send me a copy of yours? Thanks!
ReplyDelete-Rebeka
rebekacook at yahoo.com
ReplyDeletePeter, We just found this same machine in strorage, it belonged to boyfriend's mother. I loved the video on u-tube. Of course there is no manual, and no regular plate (just the one the button holer attachment clicks to). I have taken the parts of brushed and oiled etc, but cannot get the top large knob to move (it is in the button hole mode). Anyhow, cannot load a bobbin or sew. motor works and I can manually turn so all appears connected. Any ideas that might help? Thanks, Liz
ReplyDeleteHi, Liz. It sounds like it just needs loosening up. Some people use a penetrating lubricant called Triflow, another one is Liquid Wrench. You need to get that buttonholer off somehow (obviously), and those may help.
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