The repairman really doesn't know what new machines are available. He seems to be like most older repair people, won't bother to know if the new is quality even though it isn't made like it use to be. There are a lot of nice quality lightweight machines now. Not usually in Walmarts. There are only two sewing machine companies that own all the manufacturing plants that make all brand of sewing machines except Bernina. I have two Janome Jems and have been taking them to classes and in the trunk of my car for over five years. Not one problem and many different people sew on them in classes. The new Jems have lots of features. Baby Loc, Brother, Viking, Janome, Kenmore, Pfaff and Singer all have different quality of light weight machines. Some are for craft sewing some are for serious sewers. The ones under $200 retail usually are for craft and very lightweight sewing.
Last edited by BellaBoo; 07-26-2012 at 01:45 PM.