My new sewing machine arrived the other day and what a Joy. It is the Kenmore 110 stitch model and I must say I was a bit more than pleased with my self when I traveled to Yuzawaya the other day and played around with a Janome machine almost completely identical for close to $700 more than I paid for my machine from sears. I did quite a bit of research before I purchased my machine but I didn’t realize exactly what a great deal I was getting until I could physically compare my machine to the ones sold here in Japan.
I think people overlook the Kenmore brand but honestly their customer service has been great so far and feature for feature you can’t beat the price and the warranty is actually a bit better than what you get at a high end dealer a full 25 year parts warranty and a 90 money back guarantee. The machines stitches are so solid it reminded me of my friends 40 year old Viking. The machine is also incredibly easy to use any beginner could jump right on and start using it. I think the only pitfall if you could call it that is that the horizontal spool pin and bobbin winding system takes a bit of getting used to. But once you get it figured out its no problem whatsoever.
In other news I finally got my etsy shop up and running I am very excited and very nervous as well. I had my first sale this week and was a bit blown away at international shipping rates I ate quite a large fee and had to immediately fix my rates. Other than that I am very optimistic. Wish me well!
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August 4, 2008 at 3:55 am
kristina
hello!
i found your blog from your flickr discussion!
so i thought i’d make a little visit =), your site is really lovely, and the pics definitely brings back some sweet memories from when i was in japan!
after being there for a mere 2 weeks, i decided that when the hustle and bustle of American life settles down, and i want to relocate there too =)
August 20, 2008 at 6:45 pm
CelticMommy
I could not agree with you more about Kenmore. When I got back into sewing 6 or 7 years ago, I got a middle range Kenmore after doing some research. It’s got all the basic stitches, button hole, etc. and a few fun topstitches… I love it! It’s been through the ringer with me (which reminds me that I really oughta post some finished pieces!) and hasn’t quit once!
I hope you have as good of luck with it as I have.
Hettie
October 8, 2008 at 11:02 pm
xue
hi ! I came over from Japan Craft. Thank you for yr posts. I truly enjoy reading about you. I started sewing again recently & was so desperate for craft-info in Tokyo (where to get what, etc). I am still finding out on my own! Unlike you, shamefully I don’t speak Japanese as I find it tough to remember anything anymore! May I ask how you managed to order a Kenmore & have it delivered here?! I got my tiny, basic one from Sears in Phoenix, Arizona when we were passing through in summer. We lugged that sewing machine around the world & then home. Would love a wonderful one like yours!
October 10, 2008 at 1:44 pm
seebeckdesigns
xue e-mail me anytime I could probably help in getting you a kenmore machine and if you ever have any questions about shopping here in the Tokyo area I would be more than happy to help. cheers -shannon
September 5, 2009 at 11:08 am
xue
Hi Shannon, I wonder if you are still in Tokyo? After commenting in yr blog (about yr sewing machine) a l..o..n..g time ago, I “lost” yr blog & couldn’t find my way back to you
. And now, I’m back (accidentally & luckily!). I can’t find yr email anywhere in yr blog though 
. – xue