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Kenmore 16231 Does it have many decorative stitches? Too basic for a long time sewer?
ukdame Intermediate FL USA Member since 2008 Posts: 1820	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/9/11 3:21 PM I have read a bunch of reviews and it sounds like a solid machine for the price. I already have a Janome so I expect I can use the feet I have for both which saves some money. I really, really miss not having the needle threader and needle up/down plus a blanket stitch. I've used a fair amount of machines so wonder if this one is too basic for me. What I have now are all mechanical. ------ It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1843 Janome 19606 ,Janome My Excel 4023, Brother 1034D, White 1750C, Kenmore 158.1803, White 764, Brother 780D.
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 2006 Posts: 3186	Login to reply to this post In reply to ukdame Like this post Date: 12/9/11 3:36 PM If you love sewing machines, none are too basic.
tgm and Kittys Advanced Beginner WI USA Member since 2010 Posts: 5051	Login to reply to this post In reply to ukdame Like this post Date: 12/9/11 6:17 PM This one has lots of features .... I think you would like it. It uses low shank feet, snap one feet too. .... The problem is finding one at the moment. ..... See other thread about Sears here on SM. ... ------
ukdame Intermediate FL USA Member since 2008 Posts: 1820	Login to reply to this post In reply to tgm and Kittys Like this post Date: 12/10/11 8:19 PM Yep, Sears site shows machines they do not have right now. e-Bay is so iffy. I'm pretty much a Kenmore/Janome fan. ------ It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1843 Janome 19606 ,Janome My Excel 4023, Brother 1034D, White 1750C, Kenmore 158.1803, White 764, Brother 780D.
diane s   Intermediate OR USA Member since 2002 Posts: 3345	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/10/11 8:53 PM Sears outlet shows 1 in Orlando and 1 in Tampa. ------ My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
C_M Beginner Member since 2006 Posts: 84	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/10/11 9:49 PM If you are seriously interested in purchasing a 16231, you may have to look hard to find one. I just learned on another thread that the Janome MS5027LE is the same machine...unlike the 16231/11590 it comes with a hard cover and walking foot, which partly makes up for the higher price. It seems to be available mainly in Australia, but at least one US web retailer carries it. Is it too basic for you? Well, do you anticipate wanting/needing computerized or high-end features? Only you can answer that, but if you let us know what kind of sewing projects you are interested in, you might get some good feedback.
tgm and Kittys Advanced Beginner WI USA Member since 2010 Posts: 5051	Login to reply to this post In reply to ukdame Like this post Date: 12/11/11 6:42 PM Sometimes they are on Ebay lately though none going for less than $150.... Ken's has had this model.... I have not had the best experience with Ken's but that has been nearly 2 years ago so maybe he is better now. ... Overstock.com also had it come to think of it. I do think you would like it if you can get one. ... plus getting the walking foot pkg of feet too... oh boy! I cannot PM you... check Ebay... I just did..... -- Edited on 12/11/11 9:49 PM -- ------
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 2009 Posts: 928	Login to reply to this post In reply to C_M Like this post Date: 12/11/11 11:05 PM That may be so, but Sears claims that their machine has 99 stitch functions, and Janome is far more modest-- 27 built in stitches. Sears could be stretching the truth, counting three or four variations on the same basic pattern as separate stitches.
hazelnut   USA Member since 2009 Posts: 1764	Login to reply to this post In reply to ukdame Like this post Date: 12/12/11 0:43 AM Quote: I really, really miss not having the needle threader and needle up/down plus a blanket stitch. The 16231 certainly has/does this. It also claims to have 31 built-in stitches and 90 stitch functions. I don't understand the "stitch functions" part, unless they mean changing the width or length of the built-in stitches. If you are mostly interested in utility stitches and a good working machine you probably won't be disappointed. For myself, I wish it had more decorative and stretch stitches than what is offered - I don't find them all that pretty or useful, though the satin stitches do come out nice, but not necessarily on knits, which is where I would like to use more of the decorative types of stitching. I have nothing other than vintage mechanicals to compare it with. I think I would be content if it had more built-in stitches that appealed to me and that I would use, so stitch-wise, I have already outgrown it Then again, part of the usefulness problem could be due to PEBCAM errors. ETA: PEBCAM = problem exists between chair and machine -- Edited on 12/12/11 0:47 AM --
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 2009 Posts: 928	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/12/11 11:40 AM If I was into decorative stitching (and I'm not), I'd look for a mirror image function, and easy to use memory.

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