Which machine are you referencing?

Hi! I own this machine, but it is a Euro-pro. It is a little work horse. I have used it for machine quilting small projects and free-motion embroidery as well. It's big brother is another story! Anyway, GREAT little machine, can't beat the price!

I bought my Kenmore Oct 1956, but it is a 1957 model 117.841, made in Western Germany. It also has Sears-Simpson LTD Canada on the serial plate. It was top-o-line in '56 with plastic cams for decorative stitching. It is all metal and very heavy. Wouldn't give it up for anything.

I too, own a Kenmore/Jenome. I purchased it some 18 yrs ago... it has NEVER given me a problem... I have had it serviced one time andnow I do keep it oiled and clean especially the bobbin area...
I was told if you do this it will last a long time... mine was actually one of the first "computer" type machine.... I love it and fell like I really do not need to fork out $$$$ for a new one that does lots of the stuff
a new can do.... also own 2 special antique Singers(one FW) great little workhorses>>> :thumbup:

I had this machine and loved it...if this is the Janome 8080 sold by Sears.
I used mine for retreats til my sister saw it..so being the good sister that I am..she has it and loves it also.
Great stitches and I want to get another one but can't find one.

Yes, I have had mine for 4 years and NO PROBLEMS ---it was a gift from him for Christmas, so I had no input and was floored when I opened it...thinking...aw no, but it is wonderful...it is not cheap although it is plastic and has done everything I hve asked it to and more....I purchased the walking foot for it and use it to sew, quilt, and repair and make clothes. Any more questions pm me and we'll talk.

I worked with computers for 25yrs. Had a saying: garbage in, garbage out. With sewing machines, the more computer features, the more glitches. There have been discussions before on what features a person wants and what capabilities a sewing machine should have. Make a list. You want to make an education decision. For your money you want what you want, not what the salesperson thinks you should have.

You know, I see and hear many talk about the fancy machines. They do beautiful work. Mine is a 1974 Viking, not digital... I love it. goes through many layers of denim and just seems to be a work horse. Needs no oil as most. I hear there is a special chamber that does have oil, but I never have to get into it. I'm sorry about your machine have a nice day

Never use canned air on any sewing machine. It blows all the lint under the body of the machine where all your gears and greas are. The only way to clean that out is to take it to adealer and pay good money to get it cleaned.

Never use canned air on any sewing machine. It blows all the lint under the body of the machine where all your gears and greas are. The only way to clean that out is to take it to adealer and pay good money to get it cleaned.

Looks very similar to my Janome 3160 and I love her. She's just a little workhorse and does great FMQ.

I have this one and just love it. I also have a Brothers Es2000 and love it also. I would not give for either. The Kenmore has been a wonderful machine and the only reason I got the Brothers was I wanted a lighter machine to take to classes, etc. I am a clumsy and I am afraid that I would drop my Kenmore and ruin it, so now I have one that travels and one that stays at home. I do use both at home. They have different stitches, so I enjoy them both. I do my quilting on the Kenmore.

I have 4 computerized sewing machines. The pc boards have went out on 3 of them twice. The cost to replace the boards are very expensive. But my vintage all metal machines just keep on going. I love the old Kenmore machines with the cams, the 401-500 series Singers. The Singer machines in the 401-500 do not take a belt, they are gear driven. Most have 3 needle positions, zig zag, cams, or builit in stitches, & drop feed dogs. A walking foot is easy to use on these machines. I guess it's everyones' own preference.

I keep a real close check on my machine. My brush is always handy. Clean, clean, clean. Some threads have more lint than others . I usually always use cotton, unless I am embroidering. After a project I always take my race, shuttle, bobbin case, etc. out and clean everything.

I got an old Kenmore 1947 for $10.00 cabinet and all.with many needles, bobbins etc. Talk metal.

I have an all metal kenmore that's 37 yrs old, and I love it. I fmq all the time with it. My machine guy tunes it for me once a year.

Kenmore doesn't make anything. Sears contracts out to vendors and whomever has the best price is awarded the contract. This goes for everything with the Kenmore label. That is why the quality isn't what it used to be, because the vendors change.

I got little vaccumn that fits my big rainbow and clean my machines with it.....it does a good job.

I have a Janome 2160C and love it,had no idea that Kenmore and Janome were by the same, I learn something new everyday even at the vast age of 64 :)

yep - the same. I have a sister who sells Sears appliances.

I too agree Janome machines cannot be beat, even the low end ones are hardworking machines and seldom let you down. Buy from a dealer and you get complete instructions on how to use them and take care of them. Machines often picked up at Wal-Mart and box stores are not reliable and the parts wear out very quickly. And you have a place to take them that validates your warrenty.

I have that very same machine and have been very happy with it, this is the machine i have learned to quilt, FMQ and sew on. No problems with it at all.:thumbup:

I would definitely recommend it!

I got mine from Sears and I haven't had any problems with it. I got the extended warranty so I can have it tuned each year without additional cost.

My sewing machine is similar to yours. I have more stitches but I really enjoy sewing with the machine. I do wish I had somce classes but it is very easy to learn to operate. My machine has 2 alphabet fonts-upper and lower case. Playing with the letters I have learned to use different thread to make the letters softer looking-enjoy your sewing.

I have a janome and love it, my friend bought one 'cuz i loved mine, she loves it too.

I have butted in to tell many people looking at machines at Walmart to go check out what Sears had before buying. The portable Kenmores are so much better then the ones sold at Walmart. Sears local stores have unadvertised sales on the machines when they change models to carry in the store.

I have two kenmores...1970's and 1996 computer...they are both work horses...no problems

I do alot of quilting and have a very expensive viking, however my favorite machines are a singer 401,500, and 301. The 301 I take to classes. I love my singers because they are indestuctable and really easy to maintain.

I had a Kenmore that I bought in 1973...it was a workhorse and never gave me a bit of trouble. I was good at taking it into the service guy once a year for cleaning and that was it. I wanted bells and whistles so bought a NEW HOME 8000 Memory Craft in 1990...LOVE IT and take it in once a year for cleaning and service, too. Gave the 73 Kenmore to our daughter who has used it alot since and she loves it. On all my machines, I use the brush and tweezers to clean out the lint after each use plus I do alot of "blowing". Have to DO something with all the hot air I have in me!! ;)

I bought a Brother X6500 at WalMart about 5 years ago and LOVE it,, also. It's the machine I drag around to classes and retreats and I've found it to be a real work horse, too. Only problem I've had with it was a broken thread spindle which I replaced for $3.95. Again, I take it in once a year for servicing and cleaning. I truly do think the servicing is key to getting hood, long, efficient use of your machine. I do the same with my 2 FW's.

FYI, Sears doesn't make any products...they are all made by another manufacturer for Sears..I have bought their appliances for years and you can tell the manufacturer by the letters on the model #. There is a we site that hs them listed for kitchen appliances. Used to be that Whilpoor was their main one, but now they use several.

Older Kenmores are fabulous, the newer ones, not so much. I had an old Kenmore that lastest 28 yrs! No one could refurbish it, so I bought a new one. Big mistake. It lasted 1.5 yrs and the worst sewing ever. The motor froze so the repair shop couldn't fix it. On the drive home, I stopped by the Bernina shop and luckily they were on sale, so I bought one. A friend also gave me her old White machine.
If you buy a Kenmore, buy an old one that has been refurbished. Otherwise skip Kenmore, save up and buy a Bernina- you won't regret it.
Blessings,
MaryAnna

I bought the kenmore/janome 19233 and I've had it for almost 2 years and it's been great. It's not finicky about what types of thread I use and it's been going non stop that whole time. I got the extended warranty from Sears and want to take it in just to be checked but can't stop using it long enough to do so. My old viking is in the shop and hopefully when I get it back it'll sew good and I can take my kenmore in to get a better cleaning than I can give it. I would buy another one in a heart beat. Like anything you buy; there are always a bad lemon in the batch and that's why I love extended warranties; just in case.
I bought the kenmore/janome

and at sears you can get the extended warranties that will cover for yearly maintenance (if you can give up your machine long enough) or any other problems that might come up. Piece of mind is a great thing to have; especially for something that is a big part of your life as our machines

I have that very machine...model number is 385.19110.. I got it a yr. ago last Christmas.. I also have an older Kenmore..Model number 385.18836.. Love them both for different reasons.. PROS....Computer one is light easy to handle and has super slow speed which is SOOOOO good for piecing to get the quarter inch perfect.. I love its many stitches especially the serging and applique stitches.. I use it for piecing and light sewing..CONS.....It grinds to a halt if you try to go over a thick hem like hemming jeans..have to switch off and on to reset it.. Still love it for piecing and making top.. I would not use it to quilt haven't tryed but don't think it could handle the strain,being it grinds to a halt going over a jean hem..
The other Kenmore I believe I got it in 1999 for Christmas too..
PROS... It is a work Horse!!! I have put it thru Hell and back.. I can stuff a quilt thru it,push,pull it will take whatever I do to it and still keep going like the energizer Bunny. It doesn't have as many stitches..But my all time Fave. is the RickRack stitch.. I doesn't come to a halt of anykind but it will break a needle instead of stopping :thumbup: Jean Hems are nothing to it goes right over the humps. I have quilted a queen size quilt,hanging over to box springs,with High loft Poly batting and it took it.. :thumbup: CONS... It is HEAVY !! you don't take it to sit and sew at the guild meetings..It has only 2 speeds,guess I got spoiled to the SLOW for piecing.
So I use the computer one for piecing and I do love it as you will as long as you have one for thick sewing..it will go thru the hems until it gets to he seam humps on jeans..
I use the older for heavy duty sewing and quilting.. I am waiting for my camera to charge then will send a pictue of each.. Got them....BTW Janome makes Kenmore machines for Sears..

I have the model that came after your first one; I love it. It's not too heavy to take to class. It has adjustable speeds and it sews and quilts w/ease. I always wanted a Viking emb; I think it is because of the beautiful dress in thier adds w/the embroidery on it. But after sewing w/my Kenmore/Janome I may go w/Janome when I upgrade my old Viking emb. I have also be intriqued by Janome too but with way my machine sews and isn't fussy about threads, etc I may get the Janome next time around. With extended warranty of course

Here is the same machine made by Janome, it looks identical to the kenmore only difference is name on it and the price.

http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewi...9/product.html

I have 2 Janome machines and a serger, they are very good
machines=====