Product Review: Kangaroo & Joey (Arrow Sewing Cabinet)
When I started quilting, I had no idea there are multiple companies dedicated entirely to making furniture for holding sewing machines, for pressing, for cutting, etc. Now, having used an Arrow Cabinet Kangaroo & Joey set for a year+, I can safely say I’m in love! Let’s talk about all the pros and cons of this sewing furniture set!
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Arrow Sewing has been manufacturing high quality sewing and quilting tables, cabinets, and chairs since 1943. In fact, they’re the number one purveyor of sewing furniture in the US!
Disclosure: I became an Arrow Creator (ambassador) in 2022, so all of my product was gifted. You can get 20% off your purchase using my affiliate code HOLLYANNE20
Arrow’s sewing cabinets are designed to be a dedicated workstation for your sewing and quilting. They create a permanent “home” for your machine, and include storage for your favorite supplies. I sew on the Kangaroo & Joey sewing cabinet set.
Kangaroo & Joey
The Kangaroo & Joey is a signature full-size sewing cabinet by Kangaroo Sewing Furniture (a brand of Arrow Sewing) featuring a 3-position hydraulic lift, an expansive work surface for quilting, and a rolling storage caddy (the Joey) for dynamic sewing and crafting storage! Kangaroo & Joey sits on heavy-duty casters for easy mobility and increased stability, and features a collapsible quilt leaf to keep large quilting projects from falling to the floor!
I chose the Kangaroo & Joey for its versatility— I can open up all the leaves to create a huge sewing space, put a pressing mat to my left on the Joey and my cup and snacks and light on the leaf to my right. Heck, I could put a big cutting mat on the back leaf if I wanted and truly have an “all in one” station. On the flip side, though, I can fold down all the extra bits and have a lovely, unassuming white desk, ready to use as a workstation with my laptop.
Given the size and space, the Kangaroo & Joey also has an impressive amount of storage (4 drawers total). I can keep a rotary mat, cutter, and rulers in the first drawer, my most frequently used notions in the third, and my “Barbie box” for my BERNINA, wool pressing mat, and mini iron in the fourth. Again— this workstation is a pro at versatility!
Video
Pros & Cons
I think there are a lot of pros about having a dedicated piece of sewing furniture, and, to be honest, I was a little skeptical that it would make that big of a difference. A year into having the Kangaroo & Joey, I can’t imagine working without it, and I’m considering a second cabinet for my home sewing space! Here are a few honest thoughts:
PROS
Visually beautiful— makes my space brighter and tidier
Sturdy— even when my machine was sitting up on top of the table, I could sew quite fast with minimal vibration. With my machine flush to the table top, I can sew at top speed with no shaking
Custom acrylic insert- for an even smoother work surface, plus it’s easier than ever to be up over my work for proper posture
Ample storage
Adjustable footprint— lots of leaves allows for a large workspace, but can be collapsed in a smaller or multi-use space
Durable- hilariously, my dog, Havana, to be on tables. In addition to bumps and use of having this table in the shop, I also have a beagle-mix jumping up and down on this set daily. Yet after a year, there’s not a scratch on it!
CONS
A dedicated piece of furniture is an investment. You’ll want to consider your budget and the frequency/ intensity of your sewing time to get the most out of this investment
Drawers, cabinets, and lifts are rather fiddly bits, so expect assembly to be a 2-person job and take a bit of time (however, Arrow does have fabulous help articles and videos on their site to make this as painless as possible)
The Verdict
I love my Arrow Sewing Kangaroo & Joey Sewing cabinet, and I’m not entirely sure how I functioned so well without it. Having recently set up a home sewing space as well, I’m really noticing the lack of storage and stability using a regular ol’ table again. If you’re a dedicated sewist, I highly recommend saving up for a dedicated piece of beautiful sewing furniture!
Resources
Shop Arrow Sewing Cabinets HERE and use HOLLYANNE20 for 20% off
BLOG: Like the light I have on my sewing table? Read all about my favorite Daylight lamps in this blog
REVIEW: Oliso Smart Iron Review
BLOG: Posture & Ergonomics for Quilting (aka other ways to reduce fatigue while quilting)
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