None of the new machines will equal the true Featherweight. They had all metal parts and are a very simple straight stitch only machine. NO plastic. The new ones are meant to be disposable and have lots of plastic and electronics. There are a number of smaller lighter weight machines from many different companies and would be suitable for travel. I would check out ebay to see what is available for a reasonable price if you don't want to pay for a Featherweight or if you need the zigzag and embellishment stitches.

I have read all the posts on suggestions to you. Years ago there were a lot of featherweights. Some have been lightly used and put out to pasture. Considering the cost of some of the newer featherweights and if you travel by plane, you might want to see if you can get a good used mature machine that if lost would not break the bank. It was just a thought, depending on how you travel and what you can afford to buy.

Carol from NC

I love the Singer 301! I also have the Janome Jem Platinum which is an awesome machine to travel with! Both very afforable.

Check out Amazon for the Brother CS6000i, 16 pounds. I and three of my friends sew once a week at a local church, making quilts for kids. All of us have this machine and they travel well in a serger bag, then you have extra room for supplies.

My Featherweight is too precious to travel with, it is the first electric machine I sewed on.

Brother CS6000i Sew Advance Sew Affordable 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine
by Brother.
Price: $164.00 Free Shipping

Sure, the Janome Gem, the Babylock Audrey and Grace to name a few. I have had the Janome and now own a Grace. Both awesome little machines. I do a lot of retreats and sew at my circles so I need a machine that is light weight and not cumbersome. Also we travel a lot and it takes up no space in the trunk.

I can recommend a few good machines: Janome Jem (the older mechanical one was my fave), the smaller, lightweight Brother machines (I have one and I'm very impressed with it), and the Babylock Sofia2. All are quality lightweight machines.

If you prefer vintage, then I second Numa regarding the Singer 301. I have one, and it sews a great stitch. Honestly, I never take it out of the house though. I love looking at it in it's special place in my sewing room too much to move it.