I have a 1980-ish Kenmore sewing machine and I take it in for tune ups every couple years. It's my #1 machine.

The tune up shop told me never never never to get rid of it because the mechanical parts of it are all metal and it's indestructible.

Can you have yours cleaned and tuned up? And it can last another 30+ yrs?

Jmc, do you take it to a general repair place or to Sears? I'm leaning towards rescue. In all the years, I've had it, I've never once had it tuned and it works as well as it ever did. I've taken the plates off and brushed the dust out and oiled it myself, but not regularly. I think I need to call around tomorrow and find a good repair shop. Thanks!

daisychain, I take my Kenmore basic model sewing machine to a sewing machine/vacuum cleaner sales store for cleaning and adjusting. You get to talk directly to the repair person, which you can't do anymore at Sears. My repair person is also a seamstress, so she knows her stuff!

I would definitely try to save it. Older machines have metal parts and are built better than they are now. My mother and grandmother's machines are much better than mine, even though they are all basic models.

In my town, there's a fabric store that services sewing machines.

Thanks so much everyone. I will get up early tomorrow and go rescue it. I found one promising place online and sent them an email explaining the situation. Hopefully they will get back to me. If not, I'll call the fabric store and ask their advice.

If you want to try and save it, fine. But if you can't, consider a new machine...new to you that is. There are a lot of wonderful used machines available that are in great shape. You can look for an older Viking machine which would be a lot less than a new one and be well built. I still have my Mom's from the 70s. Thing weighs a ton as it's all metal. I also have my Mom's singer machine (401...one of the best they ever made) from the 60s. That thing is incredible.

If your machine can’t be saved, and soot may well have damaged the innards - consider purchasing a Brother. I now make my living as a seamstress, sewing several hours a day, seven days a week. I’ve owned a 70’s Kenmore, upgraded to a 70’s Bernina, then purchased a new Bernina two years ago. Also have an older Viking. When my newish Bernina lost it’s timing last month, I knew it was time for a replacement. Upon the recommendations of my trusted sewing machine repairman, I bought a Brother Simplicity. This machine may be more expensive than you need, they offer several less expensive models with similar features - yet they are all great machines. Threading the machines is easy, all the locations are numbered, so even a novice can’t goof it up. It also has an automatic needle threader and buttonhole program. I’ve been loving working with this machine every day!

Hi Daisy,

I, too, grew up using my mom's 1962 Singer Machine. In about 1983 I purchased a new computerized singer which lasted for about 20 years. Then, I decided I would purchase a Bernina. It was a huge adjustment to become familiar with it after using a singer for so long. My advice would be to see if you can get your repaired, but if not, perhaps you can find a replacement on Ebay. If I am not mistaken, I think Singer made Kenmore machines. Good luck!

Well, when I took it in, they said their guy that does repairs asked that I clean it myself and he will work on it. I said I had no way of cleaning it and no where to clean it and the whole point of it for me was to have someone else do it. She took it and said that maybe this guys son could clean it. I told them I had no problem paying someone to clean it and was in no rush (I've got 8 months) , I just had no way to do it myself. So we'll see what happens, but I think keeping it is the right decision - thanks for helping me to see that.

lov_mkitchen, I wonder if you couldn't do what dawn suggests and find the same model as your old one on ebay or a similar site? I don't do well with change and can sympathize with your wanting the old one back.

The company the insurance hired to clear out the house was supposed to have all our old stuff gone a long time ago, but I'm grateful they are being lax about it. I keep thinking of things that I want to "rescue". When I went back for the sewing machine, I found my wedding dress in the pile of stuff they intended to throw out. Another rescue! It will never be wearable again, but I'm glad I've got it. Also my oldest DDs first pair of shoes. So much stuff that are just "things" but mean a lot.

Just now seeing the updates. I think you'll be happy with the results!

Omg Daisy. So glad you could rescue those sentimental things! My heart goes out to you. Hope you are doing ok.

I watch for that sewing machine everywhere I go! I don't know the model number but I sure know what it looks like. I haven't given up yet.