Best lightweight machine for classes?
 

Ok... so... I just bought a Janome 7700. I'm very excited...but thinking I need a small lightweight machine for classes and get togethers.. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are? Please and THANK YOU!!!!!!

What machine did you use before? What features do you want in another machine?

I'm a complete beginner..... YIKES!! Sooo excited to get started....

Although I have two Pfaffs in the sewing room for Quilting and Embroidery, my take to class is an inexpensive Brother CS6000i - it is light and does a nice job sewing. On my wish list is a featherweight .... but I have not found one yet that was in my budget and was in decent condition.

The 7700 is a lot of machine for a new sewer, why don't you spend time learning your new machine before buying a second. If you are new you don't know the things you like and don't like in a machine and you may end up spending money on something you won't want to use.

I realize it is a lot of machine. However, I do have a long history of sewing on industrial embroidery machines.. as we had our own company for years. I am a brand new quilter though..but my husband is of the mindset that I should buy a higher end machine from the get go. We did quite a bit of research..and I have a few friends that sew with Janome. The shop I'm taking classes from just suggested possibly getting a small lightweight machine for classes...sooooo...just not sure about the needs for that.

Ask your dealer about the Janome Gem. I think that is their smaller, lightweight model. I do not own one, but have a different Janome that I love. And, enjoy that new machine of yours!

A lot of quilters like the Janome Jem for taking to classes. This line comes in different levels (starting with gold, I think, and moving up to platinum) ranging from a few stitches to lots of decorative stitches. Typically for classes it's enough to have a good straight stitch and zigzag stitch options. Weight is around 12 lbs, I think, very similar to a vintage featherweight. Here is a link to one on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Janome-Jem-Gol...dp/B000FLH2VE/

The BabyLock Audrey is the smallest, lightweight portable in the Babylock line, and is wonderful for piecing. Weighs less than 10 lbs I think, and so simple to take to classes or workshops. Has a nice selection of decorative stitches too. I have quilted several baby quilts on it, and pieced a double bed size quilt top.

I have a Janome 6600 and a Jem for travel. The Jem is only 12 pounds. I like having two of the same brand, because all the feet, bobbins, etc., are interchangeable. The Jem is a great little machine in my opinion. I got the Platinum, and I recall its being about $500.