Thread: what's the best lightweight machine to travel with

I'm tired of lugging my heavy Bernina to classes so I'm asking your opinions on the best little machine with mutiple stitches, needle down and auto needle threader. I've been researching the Janome Jem 660, what do you think? The Bernette is a cute little number and the price is right but I think I've heard negative comments about that one. I know this has been discussed before but I wasn't shopping then.

If you weren't looking for multiple stitches I'd suggest a vintage Singer Featherweight only 11 lbs. I have the 3/4 size Bernina White Pearl but I prefer the featherweight because it is so light. You might check to see which Bernina is comparable to the White Pearl. I do like the way it sews. It was a limited edition thing so I don't know which number it compares to.

I heartily agree with Silver Needle. It is reliable, all metal, and no computer stuff to go weird on you. You can get attachments for more if you want over the net.

I know of a few quilters who only quilt on a FW.

ali

I purchased a Brother SQ9050 awhile back. I have sewed many dresses and several quilt tops with it and I am very impressed. I was used to my mom's heavy Berninas as well so when this one weighed in at a mere nine pounds I was very dubious. It felt like a toy, but I tell you, it performs! I only paid $150 for it on ebay. It was sold as reconditioned but it's never been used before. It has 100 stitches and the whole alphabet as well, which I use to make quilt tags. I saw the same model at walmart for $240. It is computerized, but no problems so far. It has needle down and needle threader.

Originally Posted by alberta quilter

I purchased a Brother SQ9050 awhile back. I have sewed many dresses and several quilt tops with it and I am very impressed. I was used to my mom's heavy Berninas as well so when this one weighed in at a mere nine pounds I was very dubious. It felt like a toy, but I tell you, it performs! I only paid $150 for it on ebay. It was sold as reconditioned but it's never been used before. It has 100 stitches and the whole alphabet as well, which I use to make quilt tags. I saw the same model at walmart for $240. It is computerized, but no problems so far. It has needle down and needle threader.

I have to agree with this. I take my SQ-9050 to all my classes and it sewed better buttonholes than 1000 dollar machines there, it pieces nice, is lightweight, and only 200 dollars from walmart. I love my cheapie brother has never given me one bit of problem

My friend hsd s Brnette and hsd lots of problems. I have a Janome Gem and I love it , although it sews faster than I do.

Janome Gem 760!! Brilliant small machine and a great workhorse!! I love it and take it to my sewing class every Monday!!!