Monroe

I had 3 knee replacement surgeries last year and am still pretty crippled, trying to find someone else to fix bilateral tendon scraping problems. I finally worked out a system that helps me go sewing at the Guild. I use a sturdy canvas tote bag for putting my lightweight Brother into the car which is backed right up to the front steps. A pretty lawn just isn't important to me these days, and sometimes I leave the car parked right there. It bothers some neighbors, but I no longer care. The height of the top step is almost the same as the cargo door of my Forester. I use a folding luggage rack to drag everything into the VFW and am always embarrassed when someone 20 years older offers to help, though I do accept. I use at least 1 crutch, so everything has to be brought in with 1 trip. Sometimes I supplement with a small cross body messenger bag. The Brother is much easier to lift than most members' machines, and is perfectly fine unless sewing layers of denim. Sturdy tote bags are wonderful for everything. I've had people remark about how much "stuff" is in the back of my car, but it saves me many painful steps if I carry things like recycling items to the car each time I am going out, then only make a trip to the recycling center when convenient. The luggage rack, sturdy folding chair or walker, and pillow live in the car now, along with crutches. Practical is much more important then pretty when mobility is minimal. I have some old cast iron machines, and love my old Kenmore, but it's too heavy to travel. I worry the FW or 301's bobbin case will be "misappropriated", so they stay home. It takes a lot of effort to load and unload the car, so now I only go for group sewing days of at least 4 hours, and load the car the night before or I get too tired or in pain. Sometimes I take too much "just in case" stuff that stays in the car unless needed- extra fabrics, backings, etc. Other times I talk myself out of taking things, then of course actually need them. The best thing to do is get a lightweight reliable machine for traveling, and accept help when it's offered.

lalaland

I couldn't carry my old Brother to classes anymore either so I did the same as above. I got one of those carriers that look like they are for luggage. Then I purchased a lighter weight machine, a Janome Gem Platinum.

Digitizingqueen

I am puchsing a Viking that is much lighter than my designer II but will use all my feet I can't wait to get it, but it will make class sewing sew much easier

BellaBoo

Here is a thought. Go to class in a taxi. The driver will take your machine inside and pick it up when you leave.

Dolphyngyrl

cheap brothers are extremely lightweight, most are only about 12lbs

Lucio

I bought the Janome Jem Platinum for classes and right after that all the adult education classes were cancelled because of the massive education cuts in California. Sometimes you just can't win!

romanojg

Have you thought about hiring a young teenager especially since it is the summer time. They could do it for you and earn a little extra money at that and maybe pick up some quilting tips.

TanyaL

I think you should make arrangements with the facility where you are having the classes, church, sewing dealership, library, where ever, to have someone on hand to help set up the machines and to help load the machines at the end of the sewing sessions. I can't believe you have found a facility that has no one else around.
If necessary, take a retired husband along to do this and let him read while you sew.

stelluchi

The cart is a great idea. I will try to see if I can find one. I can't push or pull anything heavy either, so if I could find something that would roll easily, that would be helpful. Thank you. I pray you keep quilting and keep being innovative so as to enjoy your lives.

T-Anne

I understand completely! I was going to buy a featherweight (like I need another sewing machine!)...but instead I dug my old 1978 out of the closet, serviced it and now take it to and from class. We are snowbirds and I haven't been taking my sewing machine with me and have really missed it! So this year I am taking that old Singer with me. It is so small compared to todays machines, I hadn't realized how much sewing machines had "Grown". LOL