Since your wife already has a Janome, I don't think you'll go wrong buying the Gem. As mentioned many of the accessories are interchangeable. I love my little featherweights but there are times I wished they did more. When buying the Gem ask fow the quilters package. Your a nice guy looking into this for your wife. Is she a member on this board?

Never mind the Gem and Featherweights, I want a husband like Dave!

Is she going to classes....is this the reason for light weight?
One of the best quilting machines, Janome 6600 and the new Janome 8900.
Light weight machine that has the auto cutter for piecing, Janome 3160. You can find Janome 3160, used for $500 or so. I take the 3160 when I travel and to quilt classes. (11 lbs.) PM me for a great dealer.
Diana

I have two machines but I have looked for several years to find a FW that I could afford. They say they are really light to carry around and that is what I need when I go quilting with my friends. But I can take some patterns and cut them out and then bring them home to sew. I have seen one FW. I like the way they look and feel. I am going to continue to look this year for a FW and then give up on finding one. I know they are on ebay but on a fixed income,(if you can call it income) I can't pay the price for the machine and the shipping. That's ok though, cause I am happy any way!

Where can you find used Janome's?

If I were looking for a light weight quilting sewing machine, I would definately get the Janome Gem. I don't have one myself, but my sister had one, & she made at least 50 if not more quilts on it. It was still in good shape when she had to give up sewing. I have the Singer Feather weight & really love it, but as some before me said, it only sews a straight stitch. I am also worried about taking mine to retreats. A janome is easier to replace.
>>>Eva<<<

:thumbup: I agree!

.My choice for a light weight Janome for quilting, piecing, etc. is either the 3160QDC or the 4120QDC. They weigh about the same as the Jem but are full size and designed for Quilters to take to class or anywhere else. Love my 4120 except it only has one light so I have a folding lamp I take with me. I have other Janome machines and I find it very easy to switch back and forth from them to this one. Plenty of features and feels like a full-size except for the weight.

You may find if you get the gem feet From her other janome fit. Ask the dealer if this is so and add feet then each birthday and celebration date.

Dave,

Janome junkie here. Always stay with the brand that she uses...which is Janome. She will love her new Gem. Not to worry.

What a sweetheart you are!! Wrap that baby up and put a huge bow on it. She will keep it and love it esp.. because you made the effort to inquire and purchase. Nothing like opening up a gift vs the IOU.

Lucky lady!! Lucky you too! Keep us posted!


Sandy