All brands of sewing machines have some very good and useful qualities - I have 2 Janome's 6500 and 1600 P and I own a Vintage Featherweight Singer and a Designer SE (Viking). I use and love all of these and the only one that is light weight is the Featherweight. I would go to a Janome dealer and just try out all of the lighter weight ones and ask the dealer to recommend one. I would hope that the dealer is more interested in what you want it for rather than to just make a sale. Much success to you.