It all started with a Craigslist ad. (Doesn't it always??) I don't know why, but last week I caught my husband perusing the sewing machine ads. Now, I don't need a new sewing machine. The one I "have" is actually my mom's that she's letting me borrow. She's had for 20 years or so (too old to be new, too new to be vintage) & uses is mostly for mending. Now aside from producing the most inconsistent buttonholes imaginable, the ol' Singer 3214 does alright. I've learned her quirks & together we've created some pretty cool stuff.
Anyway, Austin found this ad for a used Brother for $150. It was right in my price range & seemed to have all the functions I wanted. I did a little research, though & found that they sold for about $10 more brand new. I had just figured that the kind of machine I wanted would cost triple that. So I did some more research. Turns out that Brother I had been looking at was made with plastic innards. And the reviews were very hit or miss. So, my search continued.
I ended up stumbling across the Kenmore 19110. It was computerized (which I wasn't sure I wanted), had all the functions I was looking for (and then some) and the price was about right. I did more research & found that it had good reviews. It is also actually made by Janome. After hemming & hawing, I finally ordered it one Wednesday. I never got an order confirmation, so I wasn't sure if it had went through or not, but during the process the delivery date was between 12/29 & 1/5.
Imagine my shock & surprise on Thursday when I looked out the window & saw the UPS lady carrying this:
I haven't got to do a lot with her, just a few test seams (still not at the actual sewing part of the Crepe) but I really like it. I'll write up a more thorough review after I've actually put her to the test. :)
What kind of machine do you have? Are you happy with it?
What kind of machine do you have? Are you happy with it?
I have the exact same machine as you, and I love it!! I have not had one single problem with it. It sews beautifully, I don't have to fiddle with the tension much, it has lots of features, and it is quiet (a bonus when the kids are sleeping)!
ReplyDeleteI don't see myself needing another machine for a LONG time, and that says something because I had two machines before this one. Enjoy your new machine, and I hope you love it as well!
I used to have a Brother machine and it was very plasticy and not well made. I replaced it with a Kenmore 16231 and I love it. It's much more sturdy and can sew through thick layers of fabric easily. I have had trouble winding bobbins on it, but I bought a Side Winder, which has been a life saver.
ReplyDeleteDid you get the warranty with yours? I should send mine out for a cleaning but I don't want to be without it for two weeks! :)
Vanessa-So glad to hear you love your machine! It's quiteness is one of my fave things about it.
ReplyDeleteAmy- I read a ton of good things about the 16231! I think a side winder would be a good inevestment even if your machine winds bobbins ok.
I didn't get the warranty. At my "local" (one hour away) Sears, they only have 2 machines on display & if I brought it in for repairs, I just pictured someone reading a manual while working on it. I think I'd be better off taking it to a Sewing machine dealer, even if they don't do Kenmores specifically. Well, there is also the fact that my father in law has worked on machines for a living in the past. Man, I'm spoiled.