Totally agree with everything said. Your choice of foot and needle can aid in the use of these materials on a new machine. And the older the machine, the better (with regular servicing). I have newer machines but generally use my old knee operated Singer. It only does straight stitch but it can plough through anything! If you have sourced a couple of older machines cheaply, don't let the absence of manuals deter you. Spend a couple of hours with a machine with some scrap fabrics and you'll nut it out. Otherwise, in Australia (and I'm guessing everywhere) you can pay for a lesson where you take your own machine to a outlet and they instruct you on it's use. Any machine servicing centre would also be able to guide you on the basic functions. Good luck!

http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/search/product_type.Sewing?query=Kenmore
Here is a  great site to get all kinds of manuals you can download for free. I got the manual for my used machine here, I hope it helps.

Well, I hope I've done the right thing. Found this one nearby on Craigslist. Singer 15-91 Vintage sewing machine.

It seems to work really well. The guy selling it is a service manager for a local Sewing machine shop and has redone the machine.  Have I done good or bad?!?!

Great choice. That machine will probably outlast you!  Those were made to survive.  Have fun with it.

I think you just bought my mom's machine, lol. Have fun with it!

You did good. Make sure to keep that guys number in your rolodex so you can call each year and get is serviced.

Thanks guys. Good to hear it wasn't a mistake! My wife said she actually sewed on her mom's machine, one of these, when she was a little girl. The guy was great and gave me all his info and said to contact him for any help on any sewing matter at all. Now to get down to business! Thanks, everyone for your help.

GOOD CHOICE. I  inherited one of those from my mother inlaw. It's a classic and even comes with table and treadle operation option. Smooth as silk in the action. I tend to use a littel portable singer though (made around when I was born or when I was 2...in  64)  just because I can take it anywhere. I started on a new  plastic clunker for  70$  it did me well, and still goes, and is the one I use for zig zag stitching, which isn't that often. As for manuals , the internet has people uploading  everything you need. I got  all the  info , plus extended manual off the net  for my little  'featherweight' singer. I have an industial one waiting servicing as well...maybe one day we will get it working. Most of your servicing is oiling. Use sewing machine oil, as thicker stuff tends to pick up more dust (in my opinion) and  gets thick and gunky bearings instead of smooth clean ones. MsPuppets is right, this one will probably outlast you......happy sewing. And make sure you show us your wonderful creations.

Beautiful! Have fun with it!

Great  I hope you get many years of sewing, fantastic deal!!