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Looking for a travel machine...

Looking for a travel machine...

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Old 03-06-2014, 10:09 AM
  #1  
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Location: NC
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Default Looking for a travel machine...

So I had a Bernette 25, but I sold it when I got my new Pfaff Creative Performance because my husband kept saying I didn't need two machines. Well, I wish I had kept it. I just started going to classes, and I don't want to lug my heavy/expensive machine with me every time. Now I am looking at travel friendly machines. I would love to find one that had some of the fancier features of my Pfaff, but was lightweight.

Things I would love to have:
- automatic thread cutters
- built in walking foot (Pfaff's IDT has spoiled me)
- automatic tension control
- "shadow-free" LED lights
- needle-down setting
- speed control
- automatic tie-off
- a small extension table

I don't give a flip about fancy stitches or buttonholes. I just want something for taking to classes where I will just be piecing blocks or making projects like bags. If I needed something more I could always lug my big machine.

Suggestions?

Last edited by QuiltnNan; 03-06-2014 at 11:11 AM. Reason: remove venting
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Old 03-06-2014, 10:11 AM
  #2  
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This is why I never listen to my husband when it comes to sewing machines. ;-) LOL

May I ask what your budget might be, or if you're willing to consider a used machine?
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Old 03-06-2014, 10:14 AM
  #3  
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I would definitely consider a used machine. I am honestly not sure what my budget is, at this point I am just researching to see what the options are and what the prices would be. I am thinking no more than $600, but the cheaper the better as I will have to convince Mr. You Don't Need Two Machines...
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Old 03-06-2014, 12:21 PM
  #4  
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I sure wish I had a back-up machine as well. Took my good one in for a cleaning and won't get it back for two weeks. I feel so lost without it.
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Old 03-06-2014, 12:37 PM
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There was just a thread on here about the Pfaff Pasport. I have the Pfaff Essential Ambition which I bought on sale for $599 last July. The Passport was recently on sale for $500 or $599. I ahve 2 Pfaff Essential Ambitions. One to stay set up and one to use for travel. I love that machine. Maybe you could find a floor model at a Dealer at areasonable price for either the Essetail Ambition or the Passport.
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Old 03-06-2014, 12:41 PM
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I have a Janome Jem Platinum that has most of the features you want. It weighs only 12 pounds. Sews great. Has been a little workhorse for me. Cost is between $450 and $500. I left mine at our condo in Hawaii this year so it will be ready for my three month stay there next year. Retirement, here I come.
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Old 03-06-2014, 03:06 PM
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I think that if you want one with the IDT, and you already have a Pfaff, I would go with the Passport. It does fit in your budget, and it's a cool little machine - I looked at one recently.
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Old 03-06-2014, 04:20 PM
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No idea on a machine but I want my time machine to sit beside my money tree.
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Old 03-06-2014, 04:45 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by aborning View Post
There was just a thread on here about the Pfaff Pasport. I have the Pfaff Essential Ambition which I bought on sale for $599 last July. The Passport was recently on sale for $500 or $599. I ahve 2 Pfaff Essential Ambitions. One to stay set up and one to use for travel. I love that machine. Maybe you could find a floor model at a Dealer at areasonable price for either the Essetail Ambition or the Passport.
A f riend and I both got Passports this past Fall?/winter. We both have arthritis but wanted smaller machines that would do more than my FW. We absolutely love them.
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Old 03-06-2014, 04:52 PM
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I also love my Passport. I've been a Pfaff girl since the mid 70's and never been disappointed with them. I currently own the 1473CD, QE 4.0 and the Passport.
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