Do any of today's machine makers offer something similar to the featherweight?
04-12-2011, 08:11 AM
#51
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Originally Posted by Boopers
Check out the Brother machines at Wal-Mart. They are not costly and light-weight. I have one that I use when I don't want to take my FW>
04-12-2011, 08:11 AM
#52
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Originally Posted by Boopers
Check out the Brother machines at Wal-Mart. They are not costly and light-weight. I have one that I use when I don't want to take my FW>
04-12-2011, 08:31 AM
#53
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: St. Charles, Illinois
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Originally Posted by Candace
The negative about piecing on a different machine while you're away is that you'll find your 1/4" will vary by machine and manufacturer. I tend to keep all my piecing projects on one machine only so that there isn't this variance in the final product. So, I guess what I'm saying is that if you work on one project on a small, travel machine you should probably keep that project for that machine only. I travel with my Janome 9000. Not a light machine but much lighter than my Bernina 830. That being said, I only use my travel machine for projects that won't be affected by the different 1/4" seam. Everyone I know, loves the travel Janomes like the Gems.
When I travel, I make sure to take the 1/4" foot that I have been working with. Most feet are snap-ons & that way you always have the same 1/4" seams.
04-12-2011, 08:34 AM
#54
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Originally Posted by Maia B
The Activas-210, 220, 230, 240 are being discontinued. They are/were less expensive than the 3series. The cheapest I've seen the 210 fir us $649, pricey for a travel/occasional use machine, IMO. I'd second a Brother machine for this purpose, if you don't want an actual Singer Featherweight. Brother CS6000i is around $160 and has many fans. Comes with a lots of goodies for quilters.
04-12-2011, 08:40 AM
#55
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If you are looking for a great computerized machine for quilting, the Janome 3160 is terrific! It has the automatic thread cutter, which is my main stay when piecing. It only weighs 12.5lbs. I take it to all of my classes. Go to the Janome website and do a comparison on this one and the Jem machine....this will give you the features side by side so you can choose.
D in TX
D in TX
04-12-2011, 09:17 AM
#57
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When I travel, I make sure to take the 1/4" foot that I have been working with. Most feet are snap-ons & that way you always have the same 1/4" seams.
04-12-2011, 10:22 AM
#58
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: South Central PA
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Singer has one. I just checked on HSN.com and it is on sale for $349. It even refers to the original featherweights. Check it out at HSN.com, click on craft, sewing supplies, sewing machines. Take care.
Linda
Linda
04-12-2011, 10:29 AM
#59
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Seeing that you could get a Featherweight or a 301 for about $250 or less, why not just get one of those? If you are looking at high end (Janome, Bernina) machines, they are going to cost at least that much. And they come with lots of "baggage", like extension tables, etc. The Featherweight 221 or a 301 are so simple, and you just put them in a tote and off you go.
04-12-2011, 11:06 AM
#60
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Originally Posted by Rachelcb80
Originally Posted by MTS
Originally Posted by Quilter7x
A used Jem Platinum would be very affordable, but the one that replaced it last May has more features. I believe the new one is about $800. It's the Janome 3160. http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/...ilting/3160QDC
I've considered an actual Featherweight, I'm just iffy on buying a vintage machine. I have several vintage Singers but haven't used them, haven't learned to oil them or do anything else for them. I'm just more comfortable with newer machines.
I really don't need anything other than a straight stitch machine though. If I need a fancy stitch or need to do applique work, I'll use my 820.
Maybe I just need to start a Grandmother's Flower Garden and have a hand project to take on the go. :)
They made 3 versions of the Jem: Silver (the lowest model), Gold and Platinum (the best model). The Platinum sold for $499 for years and before the new one came out last year, the price dropped to $439. Once the new one came out in May, lots of people traded in their Platinum for the new 3160. I would think you can pick up a used Platinum for around $300 these days.
Here's a comparison of the Platinum, the 3160 and the Gold:
http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/...sh//Comparison
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