Replies

1. 
   SuzyK | Nov 11, 1999 05:54am | #1

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   I'm familiar w/that machine...my mom still has hers...it makes beautiful buttonholes. I'm not sure what you want to spend, but you could check out the new machines on the market. For years I had a Kenmore, but now own a Bernina. The machine for you really depends on the type of sewing you do. Check out the options, do research, and get a reputable dealer. Happy sewing!

1. 
   cguarducci | Nov 11, 1999 06:53am | #2

   *I had a Kenmore similar to the one you are talking about. It had a good sturdy feel to it when you sewed. I have learned a lot about tension adjustment since then, so I don't know if the problems I had with tension were the machine or the operator. I remember it as being a good machine, but I at this point in my life, I wouldn't have anything but a Bernina.

1. 
   lin_hendrix | Nov 11, 1999 09:32pm | #3

   *Hi N.E. My mom had a Kenmore with cams too! I think the machine will be reliable and sturdy however, you should give some thought to general improvements in sewing machine technology... not neccessarily the computerized stuff but things like:walking foot-- Pfaff, add-on Berninaeasy needle threading-- Pfaffx-tra wide stitching -- Bernina and ?reliable tensioning -- both Pfaff and BerninaI remember when I had the 1222E (old Pfaff model) demoed; they ran a piece of Kleenex thru with a piece of leather right behind it without adjusting any tension. The stitching was perfect. Can you run a hunk of silk with a hunk of denim immediately after thru the Kenmore without adjusting anything?On the computerized front you'll get auto-memory buttonholesand in general a more professional looking buttonhole.What type of sewing will you do? If you want to sew cotton kid's clothing the Kenmore will be a good investment. If you want to do embroidery or decorative stitches you really should look at the newer machines. Ditto for sewing silks, slippery rayons. If you're quilting you want a walking foot (you really want a walking foot).If you're like me, time is precious. You don't want to spend your sewing hours diddling with the tension or ripping out bad buttonholes.--lin

1. 
   Sarah_Kayla | Nov 12, 1999 08:01pm | #4

   *I inherited my sister's old 1970's Kenmore. It was as strong as a horse but the tension kept getting weird. It kept making terry cloth on the underside of the fabric. In desparation I bought a non computerized Pfaff 875. It feels like a Kenmore only engineered really well. It runs quietly ans smoothly. Stitches never get skipped and it has been a dream to maintain. I'm a happy sewer. i love my machine. I found my Kenmore to be CRANKY.good luck sarah