Looking to buy a spare sewing machine
 

Hi, I would like to buy a new machine as a spare. I have a brother VQ2400 that I really like and a Janome 500E for embroidery. I would like something that is portable, not straight stitch only I have been spoiled with having a thread cutter, start stop button, variable stitch control so would like those features if possible.
Any ideas? I have used the search feature but still confused by all the options.
Thanks

I love my Janome gen...it’s great for travel also

When buying a machine, I've always started by going to my favourite dealer, with my list of this is what I want and ask for their recommendations. Nothing saying you are going to buy!

Give them a test drive and see how you like them.
If you are ready to buy, go for it.
Otherwise, go back home and do your further research.
A lot of the manufacturer sites let you build side-by-side comparisons.

One thing to take into consideration ... if you stay with the same brand as your DSM will you be able to use the same feet and other accessories? Or are they incompatible? That can make a big difference to the cost of the machine in the long haul.

If you are happy with the brother line look to runway...if janome look into their smaller, light weight offerings....

Thanks for the ideas. I just got back from my local dealer who sells Bernina, Viking and Pfaff. I was hoping to see the eversewn sparrow 30 since it has all the features I want and is in my price range. However, the lady was adamant that I won’t like it and they don’t carry it because though made by the company that makes bernina it is nothing like it. She wants me to get the Pfaff passport 2.0 (in my price range but no thread cutter) or 3.0 (out of my desired price range but has a thread cutter).
Any ideas?

I would stick with either a Janome or Brother that will allow feet & bobbins to be used by both your new machine and one of your current ones.

do not compromise on the thread cutter.
i tried that once. really did ... because of the cost savings between with and without.
couldn't stand going without it. sold with "without" and shopped around until i found a "with" in my budget.

this is the machine i bought. i paid less than today's going price but it has so far proved to be worth every penny. the only thing i've found to complain about is that it does not go easily over bulky seam intersections. i've had it for more than 3 years, so that's saying something.

https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PC420...unway+PC420PRW

[QUOTE=QuiltE;80

One thing to take into consideration ... if you stay with the same brand as your DSM will you be able to use the same feet and other accessories? Or are they incompatible? That can make a big difference to the cost of the machine in the long haul.[/QUOTE]

two pieces of good advise. usually machine cost includes lessons at the store of purchase. and some stores offer other benefits with purchase.

I've got a Brother that weighs 11#, very easy for travel. Travel machines take some abuse so get one that is well constructed. it's in a travel case, i had hand surgery and can't to it.

I'm not comfortable with the fact that the the dealer seemed to tell you what you wouldn't like. I hate when people assume they know, especially if they are pushing me to something in their own interest. Sounds like she is pushing you toward a Pfaff w/o a cutter, neither of which is something you're looking for. She doesn't want you to buy something she doesn't stock....hmmm.

I'm not sure I could go (happily) back to a machine w/o a thread cutter. I think I avoid my backup machines for that reason. Stick to your guns on what's important to you. I would choose a machine with compatible bobbins, at the very least.

that would not fly with me! just ask the appliance salesman that told me what kind of washer I wanted! There are a lot of good machines out there in every price range. The internet is a good place to start comparing machines, some online stores have the ability to compare machines. I bought my Juki 2000 on Amazon at a great price after comparing machines both in-store and online, as well as talking to people that owned similar machines