A beautiful 68 year Old

**chickenwing** · 08-20-2010, 23:49

So, my birthday is coming up in a few weeks and my family has been speculating on what to get me. My mother-in-law has been in Michigan visiting her son. Just so happens they have been trying to get rid of a sewing machine and cabinet they bought JUST to have a piece of "furniture" in a certain place in their home.

My wonderful, sainted mother-in-law mentions that I have been looking for a cabinet/table in which to put my machine and she offers to buy it for my B-day. He says "NO WAY! I'm giving it to him for his birthday" and ships it back with his mom.

So my wife tells me tonight,"Mom's home and she brought you a birthday present back from Michigan, but you still have to work on the tile this weekend!" So now I am intrigued, so i agree to go to her parents house. We get in the car and 10 minutes later this is what I am met with...

and

A fully functioning, 1942 Sears, Roebuck and Co., Kenmore Imperial Rotary Sewing machine model # 117.591

I couldn't believe it. Thank you brother!!!
It needs a little tlc and cleaning but the only thing that is not working is the bobbin winder. That will soon be remedied.

**trouthunter** · 08-21-2010, 00:00

Good for you!!

Now you must make stuff.

**lonetracker** · 08-21-2010, 00:05

that looks great. i can feel your excitment!!you are hooked

**kthompson** · 08-21-2010, 00:24

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OldKenmoreSewingMachines/

A great resource for info. and whatnot for your new to you machine. Congrats!

**hiker_DC** · 08-21-2010, 01:46

My first was a 1949 Singer. The thing is a tank and will ram a needle through anything I have dared to feed it.

Plus they smell manly too.

**Hangin' Burrito** · 08-21-2010, 05:11

Very cool !! You can't beat the older machines. We want pics of your first down UQ!!

**Running Feather** · 08-21-2010, 05:22

Older is better

**pedro** · 08-21-2010, 05:31

Scooooore!

**gargoyle** · 08-21-2010, 06:09

Originally Posted by chickenwing

A fully functioning, 1942 Sears, Roebuck and Co., Kenmore Imperial Rotary Sewing machine model # 117.591

Good deal and Happy Birthday from all of us!!
The bobbin winder had a rubber wheel that contacts the main drive wheel. Check that the rubber did not deteriorate over the years (typical). Might just need to replace the rubber o-ring that made up the outside of the wheel.
Be sure to disengage the bobbin winder when sewing, to prevent premature wear.

Originally Posted by hiker_DC

My first was a 1949 Singer. The thing is a tank and will ram a needle through anything I have dared to feed it.

Plus they smell manly too.

ahh, you always remember your first...

**swampfox** · 08-21-2010, 07:44

The anticipation was building the whole time I was reading your post.
At the end, you did not disappoint.
Great find!
If you haven't hugged your MIL, now would be a good time.