Today we'll be looking at a Kenmore 148.531. The 148 designation indicates that this machine was manufactured in the Soryu Plant in Japan, circa 1967.
On the surface, the 531 is quite unremarkable. Like most class 15 clones, it is a single needle, side-loading, oscillating hook machine machine capable of straight, zigzag and blind stitches. Like most low-shank Kenmores, this machine features a convenient, extra high foot lift and standard marked needle plate.
Read MoreToday, I thought I'd share with you a half scale garment I've been working on for a historical pattern making class I'm in. This is fairly typical evening silhouette from the third bustle period (Victorian Era circa 1880s). I absolutely love working with half scales, even more so on my Featherweight!
Read MoreSo if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it is a duck. Right? Well, if that were true, I wouldn't be writing this article! Today we'll be looking at the Bernina 740 Favorit--not to be confused with the more common Bernina 730 Record or the super rare 718s or 719s.
Read MoreJust like in garment construction, fit is key. Presser feet are no different.
Usually when people talk about presser feet, they're talking about the whole slew of feet types that accomplish different specialty functions like zipper feet, or buttonhole feet. However, regardless of function, each presser foot attaches to your machine at the shank via a thumbscrew or a separate mounting mechanism. Over the years, shank shape and height have evolved depending on the manufacturer. More importantly, each machine only works with presser feet made for its specific shank type.
Read MoreLast week, we looked at the Elna Carina, a fully featured cam ready machine that sits at the cusp of what I consider vintage. Today we'll step back in time to look at the Star Series flatbed Elna Super 64C--a far less common variant of one of the most famous and ubiquitous Elnas of all, the Elna 62C SU.
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