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It’s a given that I would miss the big Fs while living abroad: friends, family and food. But I also have a soft spot for inanimate objects that I’m emotionally attached to. This sewing machine is one of them.
It was a freebie on craigslist that I snatched while still living in Los Angeles. I had been looking for an vintage all-metal machine and was lucky to find this one- but it wasn’t working. Luckily sewing repair shops still exist, although they seem to be rare and almost anachronistic sitting in between large superstores who profit from our disposable culture. For the cost of a third-rate, poorly-made, new machine- I was able to have this beaut fixed and tuned up into working order. She hasn’t failed me since.
I can’t wait to feel the cold metal of the machine as I slide through the hemline of a vintage dress. I remember when I used to wear things with hemlines. Thems were the days.
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Oh my Gosh!!! I bought one new like that yrs ago and yrs later gave it to my son. Now I wish I had it cuz it was one very nice machine. What is the model # of it, I want to find another like it. You’ve got a nice machine!!
Comment by Leda April 12, 2009 @ 4:21 amLooking to sell a Kenmore sewing machine Mdl 158.1625. In gently used condition, but still fully operational. If interested, you can send email to friscocl@hotmail.com
Comment by DB Dillingham September 21, 2009 @ 1:44 amHi Leda,
It is a Kenmore 158.16250. I really really miss it. It’s a nice solid machine. I think you can also find very similar vintage Kenmores that are simply called “Zig Zag” machines.
Good luck!
Comment by amyadoyzie April 12, 2009 @ 10:13 amI had that machine and loved it. Used it to the death. Besides my new computerized I have an old singer(1923) and an old Fleetwood that are wonderful machines.
Comment by arlijohn October 12, 2009 @ 1:20 pmHello,
My name is Lauren, I’m a grad student studying Puppet Arts at the Univ. of CT. I’ve been trying to fix up and find manuals for all of the old sewing machines that we have here in our costume shop. I’ve had no luck finding a manual for our Kenmore 158.16250! It’s the exact same one that’s in your picture! Do you know where I would be able to find the manual for it? Thanks so much,
Comment by Lauren Towner February 4, 2010 @ 12:05 pmLauren
I also am looking for a free copy of the manual for my Mom for this machine.
Comment by Carol Safi February 8, 2010 @ 2:55 pmhttp://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/2247/KENMORE-Mechanical-Sewing-L0909123?brand_name_search=158.16250
Comment by bruce February 21, 2012 @ 2:57 pmI’ve search lot of time about the sewing machine but I like this product, what do you think? it is better than other sewing?
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Comment by Sewing Machines November 10, 2011 @ 10:27 am