LAQUITA

I have the opportunity to buy a
Janome Jen Platinum for $100.00
***********Or************
a sINGER 301 with case for $100.00

Which would be the better buy? They are both light weight
Both good machines
????????

I am needing a lighter weight machine to carry to classes & retreats as I have had 2 shoulder surgeries and my other (3) machines are H-E-A-V-Y and I need a lighter one to cart back & forth.
You suggestions & input are appreciated!
THANKS EVERYONE!

Charlee

Take the 301!! You get an all metal machine that will last forever...or long enough for your great grandchildren to sew on it!

It boils down to what YOU want...do you want the newer Janome?

Quilter7x

I don't know anything about the Singer machine, but the Jem is only 12 lbs - a very manageable weight! It's also a fabulous machine to sew with. It has plenty of stitches and does a really nice job of sewing.

Quilter7x

Charlee, do you know how much the Singer weighs? I have no experience in Singer sewing machines, but I do have a Janome Jem. LaQuita says she's had shoulder surgeries and is looking for a lighter weight machine to bring to classes/retreats. Would this be around 12 lbs or so?

Prism99

The 301 is a great machine, but it's not light. I have one in a case and I would not like to have to lug it to and from classes. For one thing, it's not a good idea to trust the hinges on those old cases, so it requires two-handed lifting and carrying.

Lots of quilters take the Gem to and from classes. It's about the same weight as a featherweight (12 lbs). My guess is the 301 is closer to 18 lbs without the case, and the case will add something too.

The 301 is a great machine for using at a fixed station at home. I know some quilters take a 301 to classes, but from what I have observed they are all younger quilters than I am ( :lol: ) and stronger, more limber (and unarthritic, unlike me!).

Edit: Okay, I found a website that says the 301 weighs 16 lbs. Still, 4 extra pounds is 4 extra pounds! Not sure how much the case weighs.......

gigi10

I have a Janome and love it. mine ways 11 lbs

LAQUITA

okay, as for the case I have already told hubby that I need a case on wheels..... that even with the one i have hauling it around it too much for me. SO what ever machine I get I will get a case on wheels. SO this takes out the delima of that. So with just 4 pounds making the only difference in the 2 ???????? I HATE having to make these kind of decisions on a whim ya know? You ladies are GREAT!!!!

montanajan

Do you have a rolling case you can use with the Singer? I'd only get the 301 if I could drag it around on wheels - especially with problem shoulders.
The Janome Gem weighs less.
The Singer will last forever, but your shoulders may not if the machine is too heavy for you.
And this is coming from a fan of old Singers!
My take-along is a Babylock-9, simply for ease of transport.
Good luck with your decision.

Prism99

4 pounds doesn't sound like much. However, it makes the 301 weigh one-third more than the Jem. And, you still have to lift the machine from the wheeled cart to the table and back again. With a bum shoulder, I'd opt for the Jem.

Susie Quilter

I love my Janome Jen Platinum. Go with that one.