It's big. It's metal. It sews!
Readers, it's not what you think: the Bernina isn't scheduled to arrive for a few more days. This sewing machine is the one that belongs to Michael's mother. His parents are moving and she doesn't want to take this (easily 35 lb.) solid metal behemoth, which she bought herself at Sears in 1969. We were down at his parent's house today for Mother's Day and she was thrilled that I was interested in it -- one less thing to find a new home for.
It's a Kenmore 158.330, also known as a Kenmore Model 33.
This is another one of those wonderful Japanese-made Kenmores that were manufactured by Jaguar/Maruzen. It's an extremely powerful (1.2 amp motor) basic zigzagger, with a blind hem function. Like I said, it weighs a ton. I can barely lift the thing.
It must have been one of the last Kenmores with an external motor.
It's a high shank machine, with a very high clearance.
One unusual feature of the 158.330 is that the basic straight stitch needle position is on the left rather than in the center of the zigzag foot. That might take a bit of getting used to.
I also got some other sewing-related goodies:
Needles and basic accessories for the machine (like a zipper foot).
A boxful of bobbins.
A handful of patterns.
Assorted notions:
The Kenmore sews very smoothly, this despite the fact that, in the forty-plus years she's owned it, Michael's mother has no recollection of ever oiling it!
Egads, where am I going to put it?
Readers, we have a big week ahead -- fabric shopping, dressmaking, sewing machine testing, maybe even a photo shoot -- so I want you to get lots of rest if you can.
I do hope you've had a productive weekend, and a big shout out to all you mothers out there.
You can check out more photos of my Kenmore Model 33 here.
Oh, one more thing -- The Great British Sewing Bee is casting its second season!
If you're a UK resident and you're interested in taking part -- men, men, they also need MEN -- please visit the Love Productions website, where you'll find all the info you need to apply:
http://www.loveproductions.co.uk/be-on-tv
Good luck!
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