Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Do any of today's machine makers offer something similar to the featherweight? >

Do any of today's machine makers offer something similar to the featherweight?

Do any of today's machine makers offer something similar to the featherweight?

Thread Tools
 
Old 04-12-2011, 03:25 AM
  #31  
Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 55
Default

Several years ago I bought a Featherweight for classes, mini-groups and retreats. I am totally thrilled with that machine. I would suggest you buy a featherweight. You won't be disappointed/
betsey is offline  
Old 04-12-2011, 04:15 AM
  #32  
Super Member
 
jitkaau's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 4,116
Default

The cheap Brother and Elna machines are lightweight enough for that sort of work.
jitkaau is offline  
Old 04-12-2011, 05:00 AM
  #33  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: N Texas
Posts: 1,134
Default

Miss Gigglewings, does the Hancocks machine wind a bobbin correctly? I have that machine and must wind my bobbins on other machine. Other than that this is a great 1/4" stitch and light.
GGinMcKinney is offline  
Old 04-12-2011, 05:01 AM
  #34  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posts: 1,040
Default

Originally Posted by Rachelcb80
My husband travels quite a bit for work and the kids and I often go with him. We spend a lot of time in the mornings in the hotel while he works and I've often wished I could continue working on my projects while away from the house. I currently have a Bernina 820 and portable is just not a word used to describe that machine! I'm just wanting to do some piecing while away, not any quilting. I know the featherweights are excellent for being toted around but I was wondering if there were currently any models on the market that were also great for on the go work.

I've looked at the new Bernina 3 series but their still a little bigger than I want to tote around, and their price is more than I'd like to spend for an occasional travel machine. All I plan on doing is a basic 1/4" piecing stitch so the more basic the machine, the better.

Anyone have recommendations or advice?
I just purchased a Janome Mini from a lady on Craig's List for $35. It does straight stitch and zigzag and it only weights about 5-7#. I have even sewed on it and I like it for just simple sewing. It is the cutest darn thing.
Blackberry is offline  
Old 04-12-2011, 05:05 AM
  #35  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Whitewater, WI
Posts: 24,528
Default

The tiny ones at Walmart are cute, amd I think they are only 79.99?!
CarrieAnne is offline  
Old 04-12-2011, 05:05 AM
  #36  
Super Member
 
mar32428's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Winter PArk, Florida
Posts: 1,145
Default

Originally Posted by Quilter7x
Hi Rachel! :lol: I thought the Bernina 200 series were the lightweight machines? I have a Janome Jem Platinum that's 12 lbs and perfect for traveling with. They're very easy to use, very affordable and sounds just like what you're looking for. Good luck! :thumbup:
I've had a Jem for two years and swear by it. No, not at it.
mar32428 is offline  
Old 04-12-2011, 05:10 AM
  #37  
Guest
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,148
Default

The old Kenmore 1030's and 1040's are a nice portable machine and they even have a couple of decorative stitches.
They can still be found fairly cheap on e-bay. Occasionally somebody wants an arm and leg for one but not usually.
dixiechunk is offline  
Old 04-12-2011, 05:14 AM
  #38  
Super Member
 
fivepaws's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 2,774
Default

A couple of years ago I bought a Brothers for $90 at Target. Very portable, cheap plastic but it sews lots of design stitches and is great. I also have my Mom's featherweight and my Viking Designer II. That way, I can embroider and stitch at the same time. Works great for me.
fivepaws is offline  
Old 04-12-2011, 05:15 AM
  #39  
Super Member
 
karenpatrick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Rosedale, Indiana
Posts: 2,003
Default

I don't mean to be snide or anything but isn't a 1/4" a 1/4" no matter which machine you sew on? Isn't it up to the sewer to make sure she has a 1/4" seam allowance?
karenpatrick is offline  
Old 04-12-2011, 05:21 AM
  #40  
Super Member
 
karenpatrick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Rosedale, Indiana
Posts: 2,003
Default

I have a cheap Brother that I bought at Walmart for about $100 that can't weigh more than 10 pounds and sews like a dream. I also have a Brother embroidery machine that sews as well. It's the one that only has a 4" embroidery area, but it can't weight more than 10 pounds either but cost considerably more than the first Brother. I use the $100 Brother for all my straight stitching. I use the emb. Brother for embroidery and I use a $500 White for my fmq. It has a large throat. So... you don't need a $10,000 machine to make quilts.
karenpatrick is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
meyert
Main
7
12-29-2018 12:07 AM
EmiliasNana
Pictures
50
03-28-2016 09:22 PM
fruitmama
Main
17
03-29-2015 05:32 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter