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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Anza54
Date: 04-04-2007, 10:31 AM (1 of 5)
Good Morning Everyone, I was wondering if anyone here uses a Kenmore. Are they sturdy machines? I hear great things about their appliances. I know nothing about there Sewing Machines. Any thoughts? Particularly Model # 16231. 90 stitch Mechanical. Thanks everyone. Looking forward to any responses. Barbara
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User: Anza54
Member since: 03-13-2007 Total posts: 63 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-04-2007, 11:50 AM (2 of 5)
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Well, a couple of things. First is that Sears doesn't make sewing machines. They sub contract to different companies to make the machines. As far as I know, the Kenmore machines are made by Janome and have been for a while, but I don't know if Janome makes a fully mechanical machine, so it is possible if that is truly a mechanical machine, it might not be made by them (then again, it might). The second point, that unless the machine says that it is fully mechanical, it isn't. Some of the sewing machine companies make one mechanical machine because they are in demand to be made into modern treddle machines in communities without electricity, and there is still a market maintained by people who just want mechanical machines. Of roughly 12 machines Bernina makes, they one that is mechanical. I know that Nechi makes one. It is cheaper to make a machine that is not and most people demand a lot of extra stitches and frills that only the electronic machines can deliver easily. Words like computerized, electronic are "codes" to indicate that the machine is not fully mechanical. That isn't bad, you just need to be aware that there are differences. Plenty of people buy machines from Sears and it does cover a corner of the market that is often inaccessible for a lot of people. Sewing machine dealers are not as easy to find as they used to be. However, Sears is a big box store and even if their machine is "just like" the Janome dealer's machine down the street, there are some things the Janome dealer can offer that Sears cannot. First of all, you can test and have the machines demo'd the machine. I don't know about Janome but most mfgs require that their authorized dealers give enough training to the purchaser that they can operate the machine in a comfortable manner. Now, this is not necessarily sewing lessons, which MIGHT be available at charge, but it does mean teaching the user to thread the machine, teaching you to purchase suitable thread and needles, sew a straight line, use the accessories which are standard, make a button hole, enough that when you leave the store you are able to sit down and use the machine, limited only by your own sewing skills. The dealer will offer you a warranty that means that your machine will be serviced or taken care of by their firm and more than likely it'll be done by someone who isn't also repairing toasters and television sets. (One of those handy dandy Sears repairman destroyed the one of the best machines I ever owned and left me without machine or recourse...Sears isn't my favorite place...sorry). Some dealers send their work out of town, be sure and ask about that. Many do their own work. If you have a minor (or major) problem with your machine, most dealers are willing to help because they realize a satisfied customer will return. So, you have a Sears credit card and want to use that? A handy credit card can be a poor reason to purchase a machine. Most dealers have some sort of finanacing available, check and see if yours does. In addition, if in a few months you decide that you need a higher model of machine, many dealers will make you an excellent deal, some will even allow full value trade in/trade up if the purchase is made within a limited amount of time (varies). These are just a few things to consider when purchasing a machine from a big box store, whether it is Sears or Wal Mart or Target (although of the three, Sears has more to offer you in terms of machine service). pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: sews4love
Date: 04-04-2007, 11:58 AM (3 of 5)
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I have had a Kenmore sewing machine since I was 10 years old so that is a long time! Since then I have owned 2 more Kenmores and one Singer (never again), and 2 Brothers, one brother is a serger. My Kenmore is model 385 and is about 11 years old. It has about 20 different stitch choices and is mechanial. I have never had to take it in for repair. I bought a Brother Inv 600 about 4 months ago because it can do so much more and I sew for children now. I totally love it. I still have my Kenmore 385 and my grown daughters come over and we have sewing day and they use it. If you want a good sturdy home use sewing machine I would recommend Kenmore. I would suggest you find out who really made the machine prior to buying though. I believe mine was made by Janome. I would never purchase anything made by Singer due to my horrible experience with a sewing machine my DH bought me as a surprise years ago. Hope this helps. Molly
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User: sews4love
Member since: 05-20-2006 Total posts: 57 
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From: paroper
Date: 04-04-2007, 12:14 PM (4 of 5)
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Sears has has some very good machines in their stable, no doubt, but machines change, just as the 200 machine I have from Bernina is not anything at all like the 1530 I purchased 15 years ago, and the Singer of today is not the Singer of 10 years ago and certainly not the Singer of the 50's. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with the Sears machines, not by a long shot, but don't buy on an old reputation. I did that with a Kenmore washer and dryer a few years ago and it was on of the worst appliance purchases of my life. There are certain advantages to buying the machine from a local dealer, even if that dealer handles the exact same machine that Sears is selling with the Kenmore brand. This is not always possible but certainly worth a consideration.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: wghmch
Date: 04-04-2007, 05:52 PM (5 of 5)
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My Kenmore is model 385 and is about 11 years old....If you want a good sturdy home use sewing machine I would recommend Kenmore...I believe mine was made by Janome...I would never purchase anything made by Singer due to my horrible experience with a sewing machine my DH bought me as a surprise years ago... The 385 is not the model number, but the source number, which does tell you that it is Janome built. The model # follows the dot after the source #. An interesting aside to your note is that a few years ago, Sears made a deal with Singer whereas they could purchase machines made by Janome and sell them in their stores as Singers. They wanted to do this so they could advertise was/is prices and the prospective buyer could not compare with Singers in dealers' stores. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
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