| Kenmore:18221 (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 1041 time(s) |
1 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 10 people | | Reviewed by: | ClaireF in CA | 
 | About ClaireF in CA | | CA USA | | Member since: 1/22/08 | | Reviews written: 19 | | Favored by: 4 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 6/29/09 1:15 PM | | Approx price paid: | $149.99 | | Had this machine for: | 2 months | | Recommended? | Yes | Features
- Needle Threader
- Embroidery Stitches
- One step buttonhole
- Drop-In bobbin
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
| | What ClaireF in CA likes about this machine
The Kenmore 18221 and the Janome 11574 are the same sewing machines. Janome refurbished the old blue and white Kenmores, put their name on it, and are now selling them as the 11574. The NEW Kenmore 18221 models are exactly the same....just the colors have changed! It is now so pretty, with hot pink instead of the blue! How do I know this?? I bought both! The refurbished Janome 11574 for $99.00 and the new Kenmore 18221!
I love this machine, enough to buy it again! All the reviews on Overstock.com and Sears raved about the reliability of this mechanical machine, and the ability of it to sew heavy duty items. I have two other Janomes that are computerized models, but I wanted a heavy duty workhorse for projects such as sewing purses, denim, etc. So far, I have sewn three purses with many multiple layers and it sews like a dream! No hesitation, no bobbin problems, nothing!
It has a one step buttonhole, which is almost impossible to find at this price, although I haven't used it, and probably won't. I have an older Memory Craft that I use just for buttonholes.
For me, this machine has a fun factor that I don't get from my other machines. There are no problems, no quirks that I've found as yet, and it is just a pleasure to sew on. Excellent stitch quality. You can definitely hear it as you sew, as it is mechanical, but it's pleasant, not noisy.
Pluses: it is NOT made in China - excellent construction!
It comes with extra presser feet, needles, bobbins, spool pins, thread ripper, screwdriver,, etc. as do all other Janome/Kenmores, which are stored in the extension table - removable for free arm sewiing. What ClaireF in CA does not like about this machine
The light is mediocre. I always use concentrated extra lighting for sewing with any machine, so this is not a problem for me. I never find any of them bright enough. For those of you who like a cover, there is none with this machine.
There is no needle up-down or speed control. If this is going to be your only machine, you may want to look for a machine that has those features .
There is nothing that I don't like about this machine! For the value, it just can't be beat! Sewing is a joy on the 18221! | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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| Reader Comments | | Mufffet | 6/29/09 | I love the look of this sewing machine! :) I am so glad it works so well. I wish I had room. And could begin to justify another machine...HAHAHhahahaa. | | * * * | | claire e. | 6/29/09 | ooooMuffet! You deserve it just because you're you! No justification needed! :) | | * * * | | Mufffet | 6/29/09 | Nice words, but I would fall over it after I wedged it into my sewing space...as it is I may have been overly acquisitive...:) :) | | * * * | | RadarRadiance | 6/29/09 | I agree, just love this machine too. I was out of town for a week and brought it with me, sewed some baby knits and then a tote purse. Handled both great even all the layers on the tote and I also love the sound of it for some weird reason!! Thanks for the review! | | * * * | | claire e. | 6/29/09 | Radar! I'm so glad you love your machine, too! It does have that cuddly pet feeling! :) | | * * * | | sewgirl101 | 6/29/09 | I just gave this machine to my 10 and 11 year old daughters to learn to sew on. Its great because the stitch selector tells you what foot to use and the correct length and width setting for each stitch. They started sewing 2 weeks ago and they have created so many things, like pillows, purses, pillow cases, stuffed animals, wallets, etc. etc! I am amazed at how creative my girls are. They are having a blast with this machine, its worth every cent!!! | | * * * | | knitlitcamper | 6/29/09 | Congratulations!I also bought this machine for my Adult DD recently after a refurbished debacle. I let her try out all the machines in a price range at Sears. (at our Sears they are setup to do this) She wanted speed control like mine and Grandma's Vikings, but thought the next Kenmore up that had this feature looked too complicated. She liked this one the best. She loves the adviser that tell her where her settings should be and has found that she can control the pedal better than her short lived refurbished brother LS machine. Nice review. | | * * * | | poorpigling | 6/30/09 | I'll take one in pink of course..good buys..hope you enjoy your machines..thanks for the review.. | | * * * | | maggieca | 8/9/09 | good review--answers most of the questions I had. Would like the needle up/down feature, though, so I'm not completely sold on this machine. Besides Viking (which tends to be too much $$) I like Kenmore, especially the older models, but they don't have needle up/down anyway. | | * * * |
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