I have a small Janome (43. bucks from Amazon new) that I keep at work (it is only 5 lbs) under my desk to use on my hour long lunch. I quilt with 3 others from work and anyone can use it to piece etc. It only has 1 speed, but it works great. We use an empty conference room which is great for spreading out fabric to cut (another girl has a mat, ruler, and rotary cutter). It always us to have fun, talk, and get some sewing done. Sometimes it is clothes or costumes for kids or mending etc. It is really nice to layout colors and patterns and ask for others advice.