I love my Janome 3160 QDC. It's a full size machine that weighs only 12 lbs. and has all the features I'm used to - needle up/down, thread cutter, etc.

I purchased a used Brother CS6000i for $100 about 5 years ago, and it is fine for my needs. Lightweight, 60 stitches, needle down. Balks a bit at heavy seams, a bit fussy about lint buildup, and the default needle position is to the left so I've rammed a few needles with my preferred center hole 1/4" foot when starting up after lunch so I put a sticky note on it. At home I sometimes use my heavy metal 1976 Kenmore- very reliable.

My brother SQ-9050 has the needle down function, drop feed dogs, needle threader and has been awesome for all my classes and travel needs, is super lightweight, comes with all the quilting feet you need without having to purchase additional feet. I just love mine and use her a lot, probably more than my big machine since I am hardly home. I got it from walmart but they sell it on a few sites as well

I got a great deal on a Bernina 330, but I also like the Bernina 12 as a sweet, easy machine. It just depends on which features you truly want.

I'm so confused! I have a Bernina 1031 and really enjoy it, but I need a machine that I'd feel comfortable taking to retreats and workshops. I've been looking for a basic sewing machine (maybe one or two bells and whistles) but dealers are showing me machines beginning at $660+. That's more than I want to spend at this time.


I'm considering purchasing from a dealer who can repair the machine. I know it will probably cost me a bit more to go that way.

I've read Janome reviews and there have been a number of problems with machines right out of the box. So that doesn't give me confidence.

The following brands have been suggested to me but I can't get a good feel of what's good and what is not worth the price savings. Your comments would be appreciated.

Simplicity
Brother
Janome
Necci

I already have to many machines but that viking sure looks nice

Have you considered a Bernette made by Bernina? They are very lightweight and portable. Perfect for taking to class so you don't have to pack up your every day machine. Normally around $200, the Bernina site has a $50 coupon.
http://www.bernina.com/en-US/Product...us/bernette-27

aThe Brother Computerized PC 420 Runway sewing machine is a wonderful machine! It does things higher cost machines do. It has automatic needle threader, automatic thread cutter, simple bobbin winding system, 11 presser feet that includes walking and quilting foot, twin needle function, built in knee lifter to easily raise and lower the presser foot to keep your hands free for repositioning and removing your fabric, 1 touch reversible stitch, needle up down, user friendly 146 page manual, etc. $399 on Amazon. com with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Limite...sewing+machine

I love my featherweight for transporting. Can live without all the bling in class

Lugging the heavy home machine has always been a reason I hesitated to sign up for classes....I felt like I was moving with every class. So, this last summer, I bought a FW at a very good price. So this spring I will try signing up using it, see if I feel less encumbered. But in hindsight, if I were to buy another "classroom" type machine, I would look for one that has a blanket stitch too......along with zig-zag...for those quickly fusible appliques some classes involve..