a 2nd machine to use as a "traveler"
 

I have a Janome 6600 and I love it. I am very happy with the machine. A quilt shop just opened locally and I have a feeling that I will be needing to take my machine to the shop to participate in some of the workshops...but my Janome 6600 is not the easiest to carry around. I am thinking about maybe buying a 2nd machine just for taking on these types instances. I am thinking in the $200 to $300 range, and I would like one to have a carrying case.

Do you guys have any suggestions?

A second machine is a great idea. I use Berninas and bought a 350 as my second machine. I don't know other brands of machines or their prices. I'm sure others will have good suggestions. Good luck! It's really nice that you have a new shop close to you. Have fun taking classes.

Featherweights are terrific portable machines. They have their own case too. It should be pretty easy to find a nice one within your budget.

If you are like me, you have several feet for your 6600. Make a list of features you have to have. I would then go to a Janome dealer and ask what used machines they have, in your price range, that you can use your feet on. the same bobbin also helps. Usually, dealers will provide a limited warranty on used machines.

I have a Singer 301 I paid $85 for and a sweet white FW I got for $275. I am visiting my parents and brought the FW as my carry on. Almost finished a Christmas Bento box working on blocks after dinner.

I second this opinion

This is a good idea...interchanging the feet and bobbins would be very helpful

I have a Janome 3160. It costs more in the $500-600 range, but that was new. Maybe you could find a used one. Only 12 lbs and does everything I need. It is good to stay with the same brand if you like what you have. I had a 6500 and was in the same situation...not wanting to carry that heavy machine to workshops and sew days with friends. You could also look for a Jamome Jem. A great little machine for travel.

I have a Janome Jem and it weighs in at about 8 lbs. It uses the same feet as my 'at home' Janome, and has the same (to me) most important features: variable speed, up/down needle position, extension table. It is a sweet little machine and I am planning on taking it with me to Saskatchewan in April for my Sisters' retreat.

What's the name of the local shop? I may live near there.

I have a Janome Gem Platinum that I am really impressed with. I realize it is more than your budget amount but to me it is well worth it.

I have a little Bernette which I really like. It's certainly not fancy, but has a very nice quality of stitch. I only do piecing at my sit-and-sews, and it's just fine for that.

The shop opened in Versailles, IN just south of the State Police Post. http://www.thequiltersnook.com/

Thanks for all of the tips on the machines.... this is giving me some good leads

For $150 or less I would get a Singer 301. At that price or less my 301 machines each came with all the attachments. It weighs about 16 pounds which is light enough to carry and it comes with its own sturdily attached handle.

This is what I really want to get:

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-PC420P...ect+runway+420

It has an automatic threader and automatic thread cutter. I believe the feet are interchangeable with Janome, but you might want to check that out before buying.

I agree with the suggestions to get another Janome, so you can share the bobbins at least.

Feet may or may not be interchangeable since the 6600 is high shank and most other Janomes are low shank. I bought a 3160 as my travel machine and it came with most of the same feet as my 6600 so that wasn't really an issue. (Although I think all the snap-on feet will interchange; just not any that get screwed on).

The 3160 is a more expensive machine than you're looking for but I hear marvelous things about Janome Jems and I think there's some of those in your range. Definitely check with your dealer and see if you can get a nice used one! A travel machine won't get as much wear so I feel a lot more comfortable with a used one, particularly if it's coming from a dealer.

Barring that; I've also owned a Brother CS6000i and it was a great little lightweight machine. Main drawback is it's REALLY light and would scootch away from me as I was sewing! Very sturdy though; my niece & nephew took it over on a visit so I sent it home with them; they're 9 & 13 and both play/sew with it often and every time I ask I'm told it's still sewing just fine! I think I paid about $150 for that one, on Amazon. It has speed control & needle up/down.

I bought a Brother SQ9050 to be my travel machine, my #1 plus was just way to heavy to cart around. I love the Brother and use it often even at home, it has alot of built in stitches plus an alphabet. My only complaint is, it has a very small throat opening, but it sews like a champ and is very light weight. It did not come with a case, I bought it at WalMart for around $200.

I also have a Brother that is my "travel" machine, although I use it quite a bit at home. Mine is a combo sewing/embroidery, so would not fit into your price point. They have a Brother at Costco right now for less than $140 that I would snap up in a heartbeat if I needed another machine, or wanted to give one as a gift. My main machine is a Babylock, so I have interchangeable feet and bobbins.

I have a Janome 6600 at home and a Jem Platinum that travels to Hawaii with me. It was about $500, but possibly there are others that are in your price range. They are great little machines, 12 pounds, and the feet and bobbins are interchangeable.

My suggestion would be a Janome Jem. Since you already have a Janome, the feet would be interchangeable, and any sewing that you do away could be continued at home on your 6600. I have a Janome 1100se and a Jem Platinum. No problems sewing back and forth. The only foot difference is the walking foot. The Jem has a short shank and the 1100 has a long shank.