Indeed. This nice man in a uniform said he was from Kenmore. Showed up at the door one day. Claimed he wanted to pet my feed dog.
I knew better. He was the Maytag Man.
:o
I have a Singer machine built in 1910. Treadle powered, not electric.
I love this machine.
Sews everything from gauze to leather, although you’ll need different needles for each of those items.
Unfortunately, the thread tension screw is getting a little wonky. Then again, I’m less than half its age and I get a little wonky, too, sometimes. Eventually, I’ll take it to Singer and see about getting it adjusted/fixed.
I taught sewing and have used many sewing machines, I have 2 sewing machines but non compare to an old pre-computerize Pfaff. If I could find a good used one I would buy it in an instant. Mine got so much use it had too much wear and I couldn’t get a replacement part. One can sometimes find a good sewing machine at a garage sale for $5.00. I no longer do much sewing as my sight is not what it used to be. so buying a new one would not be worth itfor me.
Monavis
Ditto–what a sweet little buddy. And definitely not over the top like this thing.
Heh. I was expecting something more like this.
Their website features a machine for butt seaming. tee hee
The Straight Dope- Where the Sorbonne meets Kindergarten at full speed. 
If you want to find a very good machine inexpensively, are not hung up on having a brand-new one, and are willing to do some legwork, try haunting some estate sales. I have friends who do a lot of sewing/craft/costuming work who obtain most of their supplies this way. One friend picked up an older Pfaff in beautiful condition with a complete set of accessories for about $50. I know another who got an older industrial Singer for about the same. It’s worth trying.
My eyes! Oh dear Og, my EYES!
We can take a hint. Where d’ya want that sent, Ma’am?
respondez vous!
hh
A friend of mine has the Kenmore Mini Ultra and just luuuuvs it. In fact I just got one on her recommendation (thanks for the birthday present mom!).
I bought mine direct from Sears – its on sale right now for $59 but with in-store pickup there’s no shipping charge. So costwise it washes out more or less. Nice little machine for the price.
BTW, this model comes in several colors but for whatever reason it’s always the baby blue that’s on sale. Odd!
My favorite machine is a mysterious dressmaker machine I got at a garage sale for $10. It has an unbelievable number of miles on it, and behaves very well, despite the fact that a small springy part of the thread tension unwound and shot off into the ether. It is nigh invunerable, and only has stitch size and zig-zag options.
I also have gotten 2 free machines: one 60+ years old metal monster from my Great Grandmother: it needs a new belt, but has an ominously powerful motor, and a treadle machine I can hardly wait to set up. I really like the heft and simplicity of the really old, really cheap machines. They are often durable. I appreciate fancy sergers and computer machines, but they take a lot of operator knowledge. Anyway, you can machine-embroider with any zig-zag machine if you want to.
Okay, update. I love the thing. It does exactly what I want, which is quite simple, and is a “real” sewing machine with standard threading procedures, bobins, etc. It is about 12" x 16" and weighs maybe 10 lbs. I hereby recomend it. I also recomend the e-bay seller I got it from, it arrived quickly and she was very helpful.