I wrote earlier about a work horse with little fluff. I forgot to mention that I want it to be lite in weight so that it can be carried to retreats, etc. Would like needle up/ down position and thread cutter. Any ideas?? I have had 3 feather weights but they are giving me problems and I am tired of fixin them. I sew on them ALL the time!! thanks, 4js

janome puts out a 3/4 machine which is smaller-lighter than the regular domestics- and is supposed to be a good little work horse- one of our lqs' have been trying to talk me into it for a couple years- it's a cute thing :)
they say it's wonderful for taking to retreats/classes.

What's wrong with your Featherweights?? They are really easy to fix.

I have a Janome 1600 DP that only has straight stitch and is made for working leather, canvas (for purses) denim it's very heavy tho

I have a small Europro, that has worked well for me. But I think I am the only person in the world that had good results with it. I got it for just going to classes and so it doesn't get used a lot. I have a 3 featherweights, haven't taken them anywhere yet. Only had them since February.

I have a little Brother that only weights about 10 lbs and is a real workhorse. it's a Model Se270D. I bought it online about 5 years ago and it has not been in the shop except for it annual cleaning. I bought it reconditioned, originally $999.99 and I got it for 299.99. She is an embroidery machine as well. She has the thread cutter and needle up/down feature. I love her and use her every day. I have another Brother machine that I like that came with a large table as well. I alsoe have a White that is a workhorse but it is not as lightweight as the Brother.

I have a 3/4 Kenmore that was made by the Janome - only the outside of the machines are different. I take it to classes, I've flown with it, only weights 10-14 lbs. It has programmed stitches - you can't change the length of the straight stitch for example - but it has 3 different lengths programmed into it. It has put together a rope basket at one class so its a sturdy little machine.

I am really interested in this topic. I want a small light weight machine with the needle up/down and the thread cutter. I have a wonderful Pfaff but it is a tank.

First of all, you will not find a truly lightweight machine with an auto thread cutter because the cutting mechanism adds quite a bit of weight. That said, if you can live without that, the Janome Jem Platinum 60 is an awesome machine and weighs about 12 lbs. If you really do need the thread cutter, the Janome 6500P weighs 29 lbs and is a true workhorse. They also now make a 6300P that has a few less bells and whistles. I don't know much about it other than what I have read. A lot of people seem to like the Brother Cs6000i for portability. I have a Brother that I bought for classes and am going to sell because I find I just cannot live without the thread cutter! It is a great machine though but I can't remember the model number. Will have to look at it and then had thought about posting here for sale. Anyway, through with my soapbox now. Good luck in your search.

I just got the Janome 3160QDC and I love it. It's my class machine. It weighs only 12 lbs. but it is full size and has the needle up down and the cutter. The only thing I find lacking is the lighting, but I have a bendable bright light for that.

I do have a Jem 720, and while I do think it's cute and easy to tote around, I always felt like it was a bit too light - like I was going to knock it over. The 3160 also came with an extension table and a hard case.

Hope this helps!

Bernina

Do you know what it's # is?? Does it cut the thread and up and down needle?? Thanks for your info. 4js

brother, any small one will do

I have an $80 brother machine that I got off Amazon. I love the thing. It only has about a 6" throat, but it still quilts like a DREAM, and it's super light.

I just looked at the specs for the Janome 3160QDC that LyndaOH mentioned and saw that it has a thread cutter so it would probably be the answer to your prayers!

I have a cheapo Brother with 60 stitches that I bought 5 years ago. It is a true workhorse. I have only cleaned it once and that is because it stopped. Cleaned out the bobbin and it worked again. Great little machine.

Brother CS6000 Walmart or Amazon. Well reviewed and loved machine. I wish I still had mine.

That's the machine my mom just bought at the county fair. We picked it up and brought it home tonight. I was thinking the same thing about the lack of light. I'll need to find an extra light for her. Other than that, it seems to be a sweet little machine.

It really is. I've done a bit of free motion on it and that's been good too. Enjoy it!