My spiffy “new” Kenmore 158.523
I spent almost 24 hours resisting the siren song of the lavender sewing machine before heading back to Goodwill to see if she was still there.
It was…I bought her.
Her…because she’s lavender!
Boy, does she ever weigh a ton! The machine came with a plastic case in good condition and has the power cord/foot control, but was missing a presser foot/screw and the bobbin case. There was one cam already in place, but no other accessories. I have oodles of old Singer supplies, so I’ll have to see if I have any that will work with this beauty.
When I got her home and plugged in, the light didn’t come on and I got no response from the motor. I didn’t have time to play with, so I just set everything aside until I a little more time. Goodwill has a 48 hour return policy on electronics, so I figured, worse case scenario, I could take the lavender lady back.
After a little fiddling, I ended up cleaning the contacts for the power supply and the motor absolutely purrs! She needed a new light bulb, and I happened to have the right one on hand, so I popped it in.
I found a presser foot in my sewing stuff that fits just fine. All she needs now is a bobbin case and I think we’ll be good to go!
With a little Google-fu, found the exact (and vintage!) bobbin case on Mule Wagon Sewing for $9, half of the cost of the actual machine! Once it gets here, I’ll let you know how she sews!
From the research I did online today, I think she’s from the mid-1960s. If anyone knows for sure, I’d love a definite date!
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Very nice! Glad you got her purring 🙂 Can’t wait to hear how she sews!
And I can’t wait to share. Hopefully that bobbin case will be here sooner rather than later!
She is a very lovely old lady that’s for sure and I’m sure you will have many many happy hours using her.
I will admit that her aesthetics won me over!
I am absolutely drooling over your lavender beaut. That is solid metal happiness, right there. 🙂
What a find, right? I can’t wait to try her out!
She’s a beauty. Have fun
Thanks, Cindy!
Glad you went back and got her! She looks good, and I bed she will sew like a dream!
I sure hope so! I am looking forward to getting the bobbin case in my hot little hands. 😀
According to this website it was made in 1966
http://mivintagesewingmachines.blogspot.com/2011/09/kenmore-158-523.html?m=1
Thanks, I found that post, too. I sure would like to find an “official” listing like Singer does for their machines!
I know this is an older post, but I just bought my own pretty 158. 🙂 Where did you get the bulb from? Mine is burned out, too, but I’ve never seen one like it before.
I found the bulb at a sewing machine shop. It was just a couple of dollars. If you just take the burned out one with you, a local shop can help you find what you need. Hope that helps!
Hi Jennifer, I just got this machine also and I’d love to hear about any tips or tricks you’ve learned using it! Thanks Penny
Hi Penny,
I wish I had some to share, but I went back to work shortly after acquiring my lavender beauty and have not had much chance to play with it. At this point, it’s just a beautiful machine adorning my sewing space!