Monday, June 8, 2009

Kenmore Mini Ultra

I'm posting this meme for the Sew, Mama, Sew! blog. So, if you really don't want to read all about my lovely sewing machine, then skip this post.


Photo courtesy of Sears.com. You think I'd take a picture of my sewing table? BAHAHAHAHA!

What brand and model do you have?
Kenmore Mini Ultra

How long have you had it?
About 3 years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
I think I bought it on sale at Sears for $50-$80.

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Clothing, stuffed animals/dolls, bags/purses, baby gifts (bibs, blankets, burp cloths), baby shoes

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I sew about 3-4 hours every other day. I would say it gets a moderate amount of wear and tear, but I maintain it pretty well.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I like my machine. It's very easy to use and small in size. Her name is Betty. :)

What features does your machine have that work well for you?
All of the basic features of any machine - a good amount of stitches, easy to use, etc. Nothing fancy.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Nope.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
There is nothing super exciting to tell about it...other than I got it because I wanted to make my own veil for my wedding.
Oh, and I once thought it was possessed when I would turn it on and it would start sewing right away (turns out my fabric bin was on the pedal).

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Definitely. It is a great sewing machine for beginners or for anyone who is looking for a straight-forward, "no frills" machine.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I think it's very important to look for a machine that is going to suit your specific needs, not just go out and buy one because it has all the bells and whistles.

9 comments:

Scriptor Senex said...

Despite doing embroidery and various other crafts I've never had a sewing machine. I sometimes play with the idea of getting one. If I do this sounds like an ideal one for me.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy reading a post about something I know I will never use until the day I die. I have an antique one, very attractive, but just an eye piece. I'm not knocking them since some of my Dad's friends, when they came from Italy, made a very good living all their lives(some still doing it in their 70s-80s)sewing. ~Mary

VIRGINIA HERMANN said...

HI,
I am in need of a very decent, lightweight, and portable sewing machine to travel with. I have narrowed it down to a few, one of which happens to be this kenmore, however I can't find size or weight specifications for it anywhere online. Is there any chance you could tell how big it is and how much it weighs? I would be VERY greatful!

-Virginia

Isabella said...

@ rainbow.star -

According to my bathroom scale, it weighs a little over 9 pounds. And it measures:
Height - ~10 inches
Length - ~12 inches
Width (depth) - ~5 inches

I hope that helps!

Unknown said...

I also have a mini ultra, and I love love love her (mine is Sylvia)! I've had her for almost 5 years, and she's never once given me guff. I don't even really maintain her-although I should. She's my road warrior and I'd recommend her to anyone

Fletters2Myself said...

Dear Isabella,

I have this model. My sister gave it to me. I am ashamed to say that I let it roll around in my trunk for a while so it is all scratched up, but otherwise it works great! I have just started out on my sewing life. I am really excited. Can you recommend any beginner websites that I can glean from? I want to start making my own clothing. =) Thanx!

~Juliana

Amanda said...

I know this is an old post.. i found it doing a google search for the demensions of this machine lol.. but do u know of any carrying cases that would work good for this machine?? im about to get one from my MIL and it doesnt have a case... id like one since i have 2 small children and a husband and it would jsut be better stored in a case... thanks

Isabella said...

**Update to this blog post**

Here are the precise dimensions from the Mini Ultra user manual:

Width: 12.8 inches
Depth: 5.6 inches
Height: 10.0 inches
Weight: 11 lbs

wgardens said...

Hi,
Where can I find a zipper foot for the Mini Ultra? Also can I find other feet for it, like an overcast foot?
THANKS!