Yarn or Fabric

I bought a case for my Juki. It did not come with one. I have never had problems with transporting my machine to classes or workshops, even when I toted my Janome around which did have electronics.
You have to go with what will work for you. There are a lot of Featherweight lovers out there. I personally like to use what I'm used to since when I go to a workshop I don't want to have to fret that I don't have my needle threader... or not used to the way something threads and whatnot.
Are any of your other machines smaller than the 12000? The 12000 is a really big machine. You can buy a rolling case for just about any machine.

JustAbitCrazy

Ok, how many identical "toys" (guns, fishing poles, golf clubs, knives, etc.) does he own? When my dh asked me why I needed another sewing machine, all I had to do was remind him he had at least 14 fishing poles. And regulations restrict you to only have two in the water at one time.

HillCountryGal

You might also check your local sewing machine repair shop/person. Sometimes they have good used machines for sale at a reasonable price.

FYI: I bought a lightweight Singer Basic machine at Wal-Mart to carry to classes. Well... it's mainly plastic workings and has already been repaired once. Then the gears jumped out of line AGAIN. Not worth the $$$.. in my opinion.

Mariposa

I vote for a Featherweight. It only weighs 11 pounds, and they sew a great straight stitch! Plus you can service them yourself~~~

Annaquilts

More then $200 but I find this the best little work horse Janome Jem. I have one that came with the little extension table, quilt kit, all the foots needed for quilting and the carry case that it all fit in. It has a beautiful free motion stitch. It is a 3/4 sized machine.

http://www.sewvacdirect.com/janome-j...ewing-machine/

leaha

It took me a bit of time to use my FW's as I am so a Pfaffie! But took a couple of my FWs to retreat last week and I love them, so easy to pack into and out of car and into class. I really need a small machine as I have a VERY small car, (a smart car) and packing 2 machine, and all the other stuff I took along, well any way just fell in love with my little Singer 221s, Have 6 of them, easy to care for and I have them for my 4H classes, and for guests. EAsy to use thread and easy to fill bobbin. Got the dvd & book on how to service them myself, sure saves me money. My vote would be for a FW

Lucio

A few years ago a member in my quilting class bought a Brother from Costco and being a gonzo quilter she killed the thing in less than a year. She took it back to Costco and was given a new one...no questions asked! When she did this the second time they even refunded her $20 because the machine was now cheaper. If I were going to buy a similar machine I would buy it at Costco rather than Walmart because of Costco's return policy.

marymm

Actually, there are some brand new Janome Jem machines on Ebay right now for $199, free shipping. I love my Jems===have original, as well as the Platinum....I also have a featherweight, and it sews beautifully, but I'd definitely get a Jem if I just had one. I second the idea of checking for a used one at dealer if you don't want to pay the full price.

Ardelle Coult

Check out the Brother 6000. Amazing electronic, weighs less than 10#, comes with everything and is under 200. I have one and live it!!

Rubesgirl

I carry a small Brother 770 everywhere I go to sew. It runs less than $200 and if you get it through Amazon it comes with the extended removable quilting table and all the feet (at least mine did). It weighs less than 10 lbs and sews great. I even use it at home to make tops and just finished quilting a kid size quilt for my DGS on it. Works better than my vintage Singer.