Sewing Machine Meme

I've decided to join the big sewing machine meme project over at Sew, Mama, Sew. I have an old Kenmore. It is not very exciting, but it serves me really, really well. I was not going to submit my meme at first, but I thought that perhaps my cheap little Kenmore should still be submitted, despite there being many more expensive and better machines.

My machine, she doesn't have a spot. One day, she will have her own spot on a sewing table. Until that day, she just lands wherever I want her to be.


What brand and model do you have?
Kenmore 81502

How long have you had it?
11 years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
C$100

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Clothing, bags, curtains, pillowcases

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew about at least once a week. There were periods of time, when I was working a lot, or just after I gave birth to my daughters, when I did not touch my sewing machine for months.
I have not had to repair it yet, but I notice that the tension is quite loose nowadays. Perhaps I will need to get it serviced.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love my machine, but she has not been named

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
Straight stitch, zig-zag and button holes

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
No. My machine and I are good friends nowadays, although it took me a while to understand the tension settings when I was a beginner. That all came with time and practice.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
Well, not really a great story. It's just why I appreciate my sewing machine.
I know that my machine is very simple, but I was used to using my mum's manual sewing machine as a child. That machine just did straight stitches and it gave me strong calves as a child. Using an electric machine is a dream

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Well, yes. I don't think you need a fancy machine for home-sewing. This one is cheap, and I've used it many, many times to churn out great projects.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Well, IF I were to be looking for a new machine, it would be for the same features. Straight stitch, zig-zag, button holes, needle up/down. And I don't think I would be spending very much money on it, since I only sew as a hobby.

Do you have a dream machine?
No, I'm pretty satisfied with what I have.