A new to me Kenmore Mini Ultra, found at the pawn shop in Seattle and snapped up and sent to me by my son and daughter-in-law! Apparently another machine not used much at all, accessories still in place, and the only thing missing is the manual. Luckily Sears still has the Manual online, along with the Service Manual. Does the few stitches well, and the buttonhole is fine. Kind of noisy, but I did oil her and put in a new needle of course - who knows where that needle had been? For anyone who wants to search for the manual the model number is 385.11206300. It has duplicate pages - English, then Spanish and French.
Since the machine takes screw on feet, it seems odd that it doesn't come with a screw driver! There is a tiny package of Organ needles in there and the buttonhole foot, a rather junky seam ripper, and the red thread spool felt, the buttonhole foot and two bobbins, and then a cover plate (plastic) for the feed dogs? Makes you wonder if darning was one of the main uses they thought we would put the machine to, as I doubt free motion quilting would be very good on this machine, although perhaps you could do small projects fine. Everything stitches out pretty well. NOW to the best part. This machine makes a very nice well wound bobbin! I aim to make this my bobbin winder, as the price is less than the expensive bobbin winders out there, and it makes a fine bobbin. After buying one of those regrettable little bobbin winding machines, a very sad tale in itself, I will use this instead and wind all the bobbins for my Janomes that I want - as in prior to quilting when I want several on hand and don't want to stop each time to wind them. Welcome to your new happy home, little Blue sewing machine!
A new to me Kenmore Mini Ultra, found at the pawn shop in Seattle and snapped up and sent to me by my son and daughter-in-law! Apparently another machine not used much at all, accessories still in place, and the only thing missing is the manual. Luckily Sears still has the Manual online, along with the Service Manual. Does the few stitches well, and the buttonhole is fine. Kind of noisy, but I did oil her and put in a new needle of course - who knows where that needle had been? For anyone who wants to search for the manual the model number is 385.11206300. It has duplicate pages - English, then Spanish and French. 
Since the machine takes screw on feet, it seems odd that it doesn't come with a screw driver! There is a tiny package of Organ needles in there and the buttonhole foot, a rather junky seam ripper, and the red thread spool felt, the buttonhole foot and two bobbins, and then a cover plate (plastic) for the feed dogs? Makes you wonder if darning was one of the main uses they thought we would put the machine to, as I doubt free motion quilting would be very good on this machine, although perhaps you could do small projects fine. Everything stitches out pretty well. NOW to the best part. This machine makes a very nice well wound bobbin! I aim to make this my bobbin winder, as the price is less than the expensive bobbin winders out there, and it makes a fine bobbin. After buying one of those regrettable little bobbin winding machines, a very sad tale in itself, I will use this instead and wind all the bobbins for my Janomes that I want - as in prior to quilting when I want several on hand and don't want to stop each time to wind them. Welcome to your new happy home, little Blue sewing machine!
12 comments:
Cute as!
It's so cute, you just want to hug it.
Well, thanks girls! I did hug it, cough - I really did. :)
Totally adorable! I love how retro-futuristic it is.
That is so cute.
I just came on to thank you for your review of the Janome 8050. My reliable workhorse Memory Craft 6000 appears to be breathing its last after 26+ years and naturally it is happening just when we have had cutbacks and I've been laid off. I need a nice little machine and see that this one is on a sale right now. It has to be a Janome for me and I was thrilled to find your review. Thanks so much.
I hope you love your 8050 Karen. It will seem light to you at first, as it *IS* light, but it will sew well! Hope you post to PR and tell us more about how you like it!
I will try to remember to post back and let you know.
Your blog is so making me want to start quilting again. I'm really enjoying it.
I have that machine. I bought it new last year at Tuesday Morning for $59. I just love it. I really do. It is a Kenmore, but made by Janome. All my machines are Janome. When I go to Sit and Sews...my little blue machine comes with me. I cannot believe you found it at a pawn shop..lucky you. I do think that there is a small metal disk which is a screw driver. My friends are looking for that machine too and cannot find it. It is back ordered on Sears. This machine is 11 pounds..same as the Featherweight..enjoy it.
O'Quilts - I do love my Kenmore-Janome brood! The little blue Mini is my bobbin winder for the rest, as although it sews OK, it is pretty noisy. I really did get it for winding bobbins! One of those bobbin winders things costs as much and doesn't work as well, At least for all my Janome-Elna needs. :) Keep yours eyes open at dealers too for used ones because I saw a Pearl White one at my sewing tech's shop a few weeks back! he did want over 100 for it which I don't think I would pay.
Hi There, I am so very new to the sewing world - please bare with me! I found the exact same Kenmore, used once (so they claim) for $40. It has the original box, manual, accessories, etc. Is this a reasonable price for a used little blue? Also, in your experienced opinion, is this good for a beginner?
Thank you for any advice.
Cheers!
Mikena
Yes, it really is a good price. Usually they will go for a bit more than that. DO check it out though and make sure it works! :) Have fun.
I have a PINK Mini Ultra, which I take to my quilting group. This machine was made in Taiwan by Janome, and unlike most 3/4 size machines, it has a 1-amp motor. The stitch quality is excellent and this machine is very reliable.
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