How to chose a lightweight quilting sewing machine for my wife???
02-25-2013, 04:34 AM
#71
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Maryland
Posts: 2,376
I have the Brother CS6000i and it is a great little machine and very light. It does come with a walking foot and the only accessory I had to add was a 1/4" foot. And I love mcwillia's idea of an extra set of "traveling tools" - your wife would appreciate that, too, I'm sure. If you get the Janome gem, then your wife will have two gems - the Janome and YOU! 
Just saw amythyst02 post when mine came up -- and she's right -- a surprise shopping trip rather than making the machine choice for her. Or you might consider purchasing the travel case for a machine (which can be returned without much hassle if it isn't the right size) and give her that with a note inside that lets her choose what to put into it.
Just saw amythyst02 post when mine came up -- and she's right -- a surprise shopping trip rather than making the machine choice for her. Or you might consider purchasing the travel case for a machine (which can be returned without much hassle if it isn't the right size) and give her that with a note inside that lets her choose what to put into it.
Last edited by sparkys_mom; 02-25-2013 at 04:36 AM. Reason: Amythyst02 post :)
02-25-2013, 04:46 AM
#72
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 2,103
I have a brother cs6000i just to take to classes. Mine came with the extension table and walking foot. I have two friends that have the Babylock Audrey and love them for taking to classes. Theirs came with an extension table and weighs about 12 lbs.
You are such a thoughtful hubby!
You are such a thoughtful hubby!
02-25-2013, 05:21 AM
#73
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: MD
Posts: 1,060
I have a Janome Platinum. (like a Gem) It's electronic and weighs 12 lbs. I bought the 720 since it's less expensive then the 760. The 760 has a bigger variety of stitches but I don't think you need a lot of stitches for classes. JoAnns has small pull cases on wheels that it will fit into.
02-25-2013, 06:05 AM
#74
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Windsor, Colorado
Posts: 102
Bernina makes a great simple machine, the 215. Look into it. It sews a great straight stitch, buttonholes, and the feed dogs drop for free motion quilting. Plus, it holds its value if you sell it.
Originally Posted by hubs2734
Hello- I am a quilters husband and need help to chose a lightweight sewing machine for my wife of 48 years who is having trouble lifting and transporting her Janome 3000 to quilt meetings/classes etc. I would really appreciate some expert opinions on what to purchase for her Birthday in April...so far I have researched the Janome mechanical jem 660 and the computerized Janome dc1050....I would like to get her a light weight machine that works well on quilts...then maybe she can better convert her substancial stash and UFO's to quilts ha ha ...any and all comments would be appreciated....Dave Murray, Cape Cod MA
02-25-2013, 06:37 AM
#75
Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: North Central Texas
Posts: 9
Does she have a friend she quilts with or a quilt group you could ask if she has talked about a certain machine? They are a great source of information. One year my husband bought me a beautiful watch that I had been wanting.....little did I know he had contacted my best friend for some ideas. Love my best friend....in so many ways.
02-25-2013, 07:25 AM
#76
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 242
I like to be surprised with smaller items but you have to live with a machine for quite a while so I agree with the handmade gift certificate for a shopping trip. I have a janome gem 760 and love it for classes and travel.
02-25-2013, 07:55 AM
#78
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: middle TN
Posts: 1,112
What a great guy! You can always get her a nice bag with wheels and plenty of pockets for her tools, etc. And yes, there's always a friendly face to lift the machine to the table for her. Quilters are some of the nicest people around!
02-25-2013, 09:02 AM
#79
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
You need to include your wife in the selection of a sewing machine ,so that she doesn't feel obligated to be happy with the machine even if she's not. She doesn't seem ungrateful to such a wonderfully, thoughtful hubby for buying her a new sewing machine. Would you want her to buy you power tool that you haven't be able to help choose?
I have both the original Singer 221 featherweight and a Janome Jem Gold 2. I prefer the featherweight for piecing quilts as its quieter and sews a better straight stitch. The Jem has 3 settings for stitch length that can't be adjusted any further, the featherweight you have total control over your stitch length.
Sharon
I have both the original Singer 221 featherweight and a Janome Jem Gold 2. I prefer the featherweight for piecing quilts as its quieter and sews a better straight stitch. The Jem has 3 settings for stitch length that can't be adjusted any further, the featherweight you have total control over your stitch length.
Sharon
Last edited by purplefiend; 02-25-2013 at 09:08 AM.
02-25-2013, 10:51 AM
#80
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Beautiful Washington State
Posts: 844
I love my Janome Platinum Gem. It is lightweight (12 pounds) and has a variety of stitches available. My big machine is also a Janome (6600) so all the parts and bobbins are interchangeable with both machines.
Originally Posted by Luv Quilts and Cats
I have friends who have the Janome Gem just for the purpose of traveling to quilt meetings/classes and they have been very happy with it. I've thought of getting one myself when my machine becomes too much to handle.
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