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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Rhonda.D.
Date: 04-15-2005, 07:28 PM (1 of 4)
ok, I bought the Kenmore 1622? I think that is the model number and I am not completely happy with it, it seems to have a little trouble going through thicker seams. I got it for $299.00 Canadian it was regularly $349. I had to buy the walking foot and 1/4" foot separtely.

BUT, now saw a Brother XR-65T for sale for $299.99 and it comes with a quilting table attachment and the walking foot 1/4" foot and a free motion foot. I think I want this machine, the only thing I can think of that is not so good is that you cannot lower the feed dogs but it does come with a darning plate....is this going to drive me crazy? or will it be ok? This machine also comes with 2 years of service included in the price.

Oh and it only comes with a zipper foot and one other foot, it does 27 built in stitches using this one foot, the Kenmore came with around 5 feet for the 27 built in stitch functions.

What do you think are the most important features for my first machine if I am going to be doing mostly quilting with some children's clothing?

Thanks for your input,
Rhonda
User: Rhonda.D.
Member since: 02-13-2005
Total posts: 8
From: calcharlie
Date: 04-16-2005, 05:30 AM (2 of 4)
Rhonda,

My first machine was a low end singer. I didn't spend much and it only lasted a year. It only had about 15 stitches you could select. I did me okay but the more I have gotten into quilting the more I wanted a machine that had more capabilites. I now have a Viking 300 and I love it. It cost more than $300 but, it can do embrodery as well as normal quilting stuff. If you are not happy with the Kenmore take it back and get the other one. Don't keep something that you are going to constantly tell yourself isn't what you really wanted in the first place. The added feature of the quilting table is a nice feature. Good luck.


Charlie :up: :USA:
User: calcharlie
Member since: 12-14-2004
Total posts: 28
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 04-18-2005, 12:57 PM (3 of 4)
A lot of today's machines will not go thru the thicker seams.. Denim jeans for example.. I have to pound the seams to get thru them when I am re-hemming for all of us shorties... My featherweight portable has no problem doing them.. Of course it is a 1955 model..Singer 221 which is , of course, worth a million dollars.. (to me , anyway..) LOL..
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: Julia's Nana
Date: 04-18-2005, 05:39 PM (4 of 4)
I had a Brother that I bought at WalMart...............BIG mistake. For one thing they don't carry parts or attachments in store or offer service..............it was a piece of junk and I sold it at a garage sale. My very first machine was a Brother also, bought in 1966 and lasted for over 25 years and went half way around the world with me when DH was in the Air Force. So they don't make them like they used to, although no one does really.

I have a Kenmore now that I love. It came with a free quilting foot and walking foot as part of the promotion they were having when I bought it, It does not have all the bells and whistles but it does what I want it to do for now. I hope to upgrade in a few years when my skill outgrows the machine's capabilities. I can order parts on line and there is a Sears service center just a few miles from my house. How good the service is, I don't know. I doubt it would sew through anything too thick without problems.
User: Julia's Nana
Member since: 08-28-2001
Total posts: 361
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