Meet Kenny!!!

I blame Peter for this. He posted about his fabulous vintage machines and got me jonesing for a new machine. Not that it takes much, but it's been awhile since I picked up a machine and I have been secretly coveting a featherweight machine, even though I didn't necessarily need one. What's need got to do with it anyway? Scouring craigslist the other day, I saw this beautiful Kenmore featherweight model. I thought about it and thought about it, but had to go to work. My dear sweet husband who spoils me rotten said "Call on it, I'll go pick it up for you!" I left a message with the gal, leaving Tom's number, thought que sera, sera and headed to work. Imagine my excitement when Tom called to tell me he was going to look at her!!! When I got home last night she was waiting for me on the table. Her motor purrs like a kitten and although there are a few minor chips and I had to clean tape off the throat plate (1/4 guide), the only other things wrong was a missing spool spindle, no light bulb and the case handle was slightly bent on the inside, but still worked. I was too tired to play with her much last night and Tom was tired, so I delayed getting to know her better til this morning. I cleaned off the tape (I love Goo-B-Gone!) and straightened out the case handle (girls got skilz!!!) Plugged her in and...Nothing! Nada! No Power! I was perplexed...I was sad...I was annoyed. I tried another outlet. Nothing! I opened her up to see if there was anything obvious. Nope! Motor clean and shiny, belts all new! Hmmm! I did find the spool spindle in the head, which was a nice surprise, but still no power! I went on line looking for replacement motors (found some by the way and not too bad of price either) I went to make a phone call and...Nothing! Nada! No Dial tone! So then my spidey senses kicked in and I started checking other electrical appliances in the kitchen, and rocket scientist that I am, discovered that somewhere along the morning a breaker had been tripped, and once I fixed that all was well in Kennyville once again! Whoosh! What a relief that was!!! I checked the manual for the light replacement details, but a proper bulb was not to be found in Estacada! I did find one with the proper voltage and wattage, but it was a little long and hit the side of the door, so I took that back and ran to JoAnns during my break. Their lights were the same size, so I called my friends at Montavilla and the gal is fairly certain they will have a featherweight sized bulb for Kenny. Tomorrow I will take her into town when I go for my ophthamology follow-up and we'll stop on over to get her fitted for a light bulb! Here is a picture of her case, which I love the pretty rose detailing:

I was amazed at how light she is with all her metal parts.  Tom thought she was heavy, but he hasn't ever lifted Ricci...now that's one phat sewing machine!!! But oh how she handles the tough jobs!  Kenny will be used to make baby quilts (and I may even let Sara take her for a spin while she's home!) and other baby accessories.  She will be my traveling companion so I have a machine to work with over in Lapine.  Looks like we will be able to build the shop over there this year, so Mama can't live for long without a sewing machine!  One of the things that I love about her over the Singer featherweights is that she has more stitches.  In addition to straight stitching, she does a zig-zag, blind hem, a three stitch zig-zag and buttonholes.  What more could a girl ask for?  I am so blessed!!!