southernmema

I agree...this is a great machine without alot of money spent! It does everything you need at class. I like mine so much that you may find me at home using this machine instead of my very expensive Viking....it just feels right. I have purchased three of these....one for me, one for my granddaughter who is learning to sew, and one for a friend to take to class. Check out the reviews on Amazon.

Jordan

I have a Janome 6600 MC and loving it. I have been doing research on the Janome Gem and then someone told me about the DC1050 and now I am really confused and haven't bought anything. What I would really like is a feather weight but that is out of my price range-as far as I have seen.

Onebyone

I have an older Janome Jem. It has never given me any problem. I prefer my Everysewn Sparrow 30. It has all the features and lightweight.

clevermom3kids

I have a Pfaff as my primary machine so I looked at the Passport but bought the Janome 3160 for these reasons: I had used a friend's Janome Jem Platinum for sewing days so was familiar with it, the Passport at that time only came with the black face which I didn't love, and I got a good deal on the price at my local store. Today I might consider the Passport since they've made a few changes that appeal to me. Interestingly, my friend who has the Platinum (still has it) recently bought a Passport because she's been sewing with Pfaffs at a local store and fell in love with the dual feed (she's actually a Bernina girl!) Does any of this help or make it more confusing, lol? :-)

true4uca

I have this one. I'm told they are dis-continued Work or don't I have this lemon.

sewbizgirl

I haven't sewn on one, but a lot of people are liking the little Sparrow machines. Just a thought.


I have a Singer 301 that lifts out of it's cabinet to become a portable. 16 lbs is easy to carry to a class, and I love the machine.

bakermom

Lady across from me in a class last week had a Sparrow 30. I was impressed by it. Thinking of getting one now

IrishNY

I've heard nothing but great things about the Sparrow machines. I'm not sure of the weights but you should check them out.

Belfrybat

My go-to travel machine is the Brother cs6000i. It is an absolute workhorse and comes with a hard-side cover and an extension table. I had a Janome Gem and didn't like it at all -- at least the model I had had set stitch lengths and I couldn't find a good one for piecing. But this little Brother is a wonder machine. I've had mine 6 years and have sewn many a mile on it. However, it is much less than your posted price range. I purchased it from Amazon for $140.00. It might be a bit more by now.

ETA: I have a Featherweight and a Singer 301A, but I still prefer the Brother.

Quiltah Mama

My prior Janome was a 3160, and it was a great machine, upgraded to an 8900, otherwise I would still be sewing on it. Good luck with your decision. My suggestion, is whatever machine you decide, make sure there is a dealer near you for servicing, questions, and support.