I take Janome Jem or Featherweight, or Singer 301 to classes. Depends on what I'm sewing. My stay at home machines are Bernina, Brother 1500, Singer 15, and Singer Quantum.

Not sure if this would be the case but would the Janome Gem use the same feet as the machine you currently have? If so that might be a reason for at least looking at it. I have hear good things about it and for class allyou really need is probably a straight stitch.

The Janome Gem uses the same feet as the Janome 6600 and that is so convenient. I have them both and love them! I would definitely suggest having a lighter machine to carry to class - taking your 7700 would get tiresome. If the Gem feet fit the 7700, I would absolutely suggest getting a Gem.

Can't go wrong with a vintage Singer Featherweight. I love mine!

I just bought a Janome Gem Gold and took it to quilt guild for the first time last week. It fits in a sturdy bag and was so EASY to handle. I have two Berninas at home that do all the things I want to do, but I can plan to do just piecing, etc. at guild without all the hassle of taking a heavy machine

Thanks so much for all the replies and insight! I'm gonna check a few of these out!! Oh my gosh... there is sooo much to learn! I could read these forums for hours.... days!!! lol

After a 20 year sewing hiatus, I got a Janome 3160 for Christmas in 2011. I absolutely love it. The next year, I decided to upgrade to the 7700 (which I also love), put my 7700 in a sewing cabinet and kept the 3160 for classes.

The machines have a lot of similarities (thread cutter, on/off, etc., and share bobbins).

Good luck on finding a good fit.

I have a pfaff passport which I love for classes and moving around my 2 story home for piecing. I have a Bernina which I also love but keep in my 2nd floor sewing room as it is too heavy to move around. I use the Bernina for quilting.

I have the Janome 7700 for home and the 3160 for hauling to class. The 3160 weighs 12 pounds and has needle down, thread cutter, etc. Love the 3160 - I have had jam gold and platinum but like the 3160 better.

The advantage of the Pfaff Passport over the Janome Jem is the IDT (built-in walking foot). Although I'm a Janome fan, I don't think I could go back to a machine without this feature now.