I love my brother sq-9050 from walmart, it is all I use for classes and travel. Great machine

I like my Janome, but if I had to do it over again I would have gotten one with a drop in bobbin! It is a VERY big pain to change a vertical bobbin! And you can't see it when you are running out! I like the way it sews (I have a 2212), but the bobbin drives me bananas!! I hope you find one you like!

what about looking for a used singer spartan? they are cute, they are little, they have appeal <g>

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Singer-Spart...item41705ed257

I agree completely with this assessment. They're relatively light weight, as well.

One other thing about a low end Brother machine for taking to classes, or guild meetings, etc. If you happen to drop it while you and it are on an outing, it's not much of a monetary loss.

I would invest a little more and get a vintage Singer featherweight. Only 11 lbs. And all metal. It will last forever if you keep it clean, greased and oiled.

If you can afford it ... go with the FW.

Otherwise look at used machines from you local sewing machine/LQS stores.

I was going to suggest a FW, but unless you find a steal..they acan be pricey. They Craigslist , I got myself a really nice vintage Singer 501 Special Slant O Matic for $65... But very heavy to carry

Thank you everyone. I ended up with a Janome Jem 660 from E-Bay for $96.00. As much as I'd love a Featherweight, I really can't justify the cost for what I want to use it for. I've never heard of a Spartan -- that looks like a neat machine. Maybe I should have waited and bid on it. :) However, the Jem has good reviews, and I like the idea of the drop in bobbin. I don't mind the vertical bobbin here at the house but for classes, I think the drop in would be easier. I just hope the machine is in as good working order as the ad specifies. Never know about E-Bay.