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Monday, December 27, 2010

The Newest Addition to my Sewing Nook



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?

3 comments:

  1. 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)!

    I 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!

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  2. 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.

    Did 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! :)

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  3. Vanessa-So glad to hear you love your machine! It's quiteness is one of my fave things about it.

    Amy- 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.

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