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| Kenmore: 385.19233 (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 708 time(s) |
2 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 9 people | | Reviewed by: | Wizardgir1 | 
| | About Wizardgir1 | | | | Member since: 2/16/08 | | Reviews written: 1 | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 10/5/09 2:44 PM | | Approx price paid: | $449 | | Had this machine for: | 1 month | | Recommended? | Yes | Features
- Computerized
- Needle Threader
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Embroidery Stitches
- One step buttonhole
- Drop-In bobbin
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
| | What Wizardgir1 likes about this machine
I bought this machine as an upgrade to my basic sewing machine, Simplicity 1170. At this point, I am in love. I looked for a couple things in a machine that I would bring home.
A feature that I knew I wanted was the needle up/down. I have the Elna 945 for an overlock machine, so I knew I'd like to have a computerized sewing machine also. Those were the 2 main points for me. The needle up/down works like a charm and the LCD is extremely easy to understand, plus it has a screen contrast adjustment feature.
I used patternreview as a reference before purchasing a machine and my heart was set on this one. There isn't a bad review!
I was able to test sew at Sears. The sales gal was extremely helpful (I'm blessed because I know other women haven't had that experience with Sears). The Kenmore floor model was banged up pretty badly but after we got everything set up to sew, it stitched beautifully. That told me that the machine is able to take a serious beating and still deliver! I took one home!
The machine sews on the quiet side. Very quiet. It has a speed control, which ultimately affects the machine noise, obviously. It's a solid machine. I've sewn on industrial machines and wondered how it would compare with the shaking. It doesn't shake at all. I sew on a desk that has a a piece of counter-top on it. My Elna 945 serger shakes more in comparison. I'm very glad concerning that aspect.
It sews through denim nicely. I made a skirt with medium-heavy weight denim/spandex and it sewed through 4 layers like a hot knife through butter. It had a harder time stitching through 6 layers of Levi's denim, but I used the hand-wheel for that part. The computer beeped and showed me a safety a message on the screen. The bobbin didn't tangle. It has an anti-tangle feature, which I LOVE!
The feed dogs seem to be very strong--they get a good grip. It has a nice feel when I guide fabric through. It has a feed-dog drop feature for basting and quilting. I don't quilt, however--I MIGHT NOW! :) The table is a lot larger that on others I've test-sewed on (Brother). There are measurement guides on both sides of the needle, which is SO NICE when I screw up and can't get around sewing on the other edge of my garment or craft.
The Kenmore 19233 has a flip-up reference stitch-chart that I use each time I change stitches. The computer gives a soft beep after each selection that I've made. I enjoy the beeping. =) The Kenmore gives a lot of choices for quilt stitching and decorative satin stitches--99 stitches are on the flip chart and that includes the 5 buttonhole stitches. At the bottom of the flip chart, there are 67 Monograms, including characters. I like to be able to spell out words on my clothing tags/labels. The box states that there are "215 stitch functions", but I'm not quite sure how they are arriving at that. There is clearly 167 "stitches" to choose from. I haven't figured out the "function" wording yet.
The machine comes with a30 minute DVD, which is nice since there aren't classes offered. I learned that I shouldn't attempt oiling my computerized Kenmore machine. I haven't read if it features self-lubricating metal parts, like the Brother does. I'm assuming it does. I haven't read the manual word-for-word yet either. LOL
The compartment drawer in the front is convenient for extra bobbins and the 9 feet. There is also a door that you can just pop open to change the light bulb--no screw drivers needed. I use the needle threader when my eyes are tired--I like that feature too. I don't think I would want to live without that again.
I heard that Janome now makes Kenmore, so I picked up a pack of plastic Janome bobbins from the local fabric store and they compare exact. I was so glad because I don't make frequent trips to Sears, as I do all the local and distant fabric stores. LOL
Finally, the price. I'm pleased with the cost. I looked at a Brother for $800 and it didn't have near the amount of features that my Kenmore does. Plus the computerized Brother lagged before it sewed after I depressed the foot pedal.
I purchased the 3 year maintenance service for $129. It will cost me $43 to get the yearly service. Our local service guy charges $45 for sewing machines so I feel pretty good about my choice, even if it is a couple of dollars a year. I have a serger so I will still be able to sew when my Kenmore is getting serviced. :)
I'm thrilled about my purchase. I have been sewing each day since I brought it home so I could leave an honest (and hopefully helpful) review. Sewing boxers for my husband is next on the sewing agenda! What Wizardgir1 does not like about this machine
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| Reader Comments | | Mufffet | 10/5/09 | HHmm...when I had that machine and the three year plan, it included a yearly checkup!? Check again, a change would be interesting to know! This is a very very nice machine and I know you will enjoy it for a long time! :))) Thanks for a GREAT review as well. Lots of details and what you have used it for. | | * * * | | Lil Flo | 10/5/09 | Really enjoyed your review! Glad you had a good experience with Sears. Thanks for sharing. Happy Sewing!!!!!!! | | * * * | | jilly cooper | 10/6/09 | $43 for a yearly service - bargain. we pay minimum of $100, doesn't include anything other than a clean and oil and perhaps diagnosis of other/major probs. | | * * * | | skae | 10/6/09 | Great information. Love the details of the machine. It's amazing that you got great service. I know when I went shopping and look at there machines. They we're ready to ring you up instead of showing you and letting you look at it andsee how it sews. Happy sewng | | * * * | | catsmeow | 10/6/09 | Very nice review! So glad you love your new machine. | | * * * | | smockeymama | 10/7/09 | Great review. I also bought the 3-yr service plan when I bought my 19606. They said it DOES include an annual checkup & service. My one reservation is dropping it off at Sears & hoping that they don't bang it around on its way to the service center, but if you take advantage of the yearly tuneup, then the maintenance plan pays for itself. | | * * * | | aquamarineerica | 10/8/09 | I love my machine. I've even tried two quilts on it, and it handles wonderfully. Haven't bought the extended warranty, though, but it sounds as if I should. | | * * * |
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