DJ

I'll put my vote in for the Pfaff. I have the Passport as well as the Performance 2056. I don't think there is a big difference in weight, as the Performance isn't a very large machine. If you can get a used one, it would probably be a good deal. I find that I have more control of the speed with the foot lever on the Performance, but the Passport is great, too. I will definitely stick with Pfaff because of the IDT.

Girlfriend

If you don't already have a Pfaff, then that would be a good choice, just to have the IDT system. There really is no comparison to any of the walking feet out there.

Otherwise, go with another Brother, so that your bobbins and familiarity are the same as at home.

Stitchnripper

I have a featherweight also and it is adorable. But - it took me literally years to find since I didn't want to
pay hundreds of dollars. If you don't come across a good condition featherweight, I and a good number of the members here are happy with the basic Brother Machines. They are inexpensive and simple to operate. The manuals are well written and you don't need special lessons to use them.

DOTTYMO

I purchased a husqvana viking 100q primarily to take to workshops. Love the small machine, no use for quilting a quilt top as throat to small. One other disadvantage you may not like is the lack of being able to do a blanket stitch if you use this for applique. It fixes beginnings and ends, needle will move you do need a walking foot. And it does have some fancy stitches.

themary

Pfaff for sure. you do not have to use the walking foot I have the Passport for classes and the 5.0 for home. Have had others makes but love the Pfaff the best of all.

Jerudy

Always took along the featherweight until I just recently acquired a 301......love everything about my new 301, slightly bigger, nice stitches, and easy to handle!