Cheap machine for class recommendations?
 

I'm considering joining a group that meets to sew together weekly. I don't want to have to pack up my Janome each week, and the other machines I have are in cabinets and not portable.

So I'm looking for something around $100.00 that is lightweight but durable. So far on-line I've found a Brother XL2600i ($85.00) and a Janome 2206 ($119.00). I'm a Janome fan but this model does not have the drop in bobbin, and since it will be a piecing machine, not FMQ, the convenience of a drop in bobbin is swaying me towards the Brother. Does anyone have an other ideas? I really don't want to spend much for this. And as much as I'd like a Featherweight, at $300+, that is out of my range. Whatever I buy will be on-line since I'm 70+ miles from anywhere other than Walmart that sells machines.

You can get a Janome Jem Gold for around $200 if you want to go up in price. Very lightweight, drop in bobbin. I have one that I take to classes and think it is a great machine for that.

My experience with 3 Walmart variety Brothers has been wonderful. One here and one at each of my son's houses. Not fussy about thread and a nice stitch.

Belfry, since you have some other machines, do you use them all the time? What about the possibility of just getting a case and using one of the other machines you have in cabinets.

I just bought a gently used Singer for $50. It is wonderful and will transport easily. I'm even going to use it when teaching sewing classes to upper elementary aged students this summer.

Hancock's has 2 on sale under $100.00......sale starts 1/31 thru 2/20.....

Brother LS590 ($89.99) and Janome 3128 ($99.99).

Good luck finding a travel machine :thumbup:

You can find a vintage Singer 301 in the $100 price range on ebay and it's lightweight and is an excellent piecing machine.

Great idea but they weigh a ton, plus are in cabinets. I actually use all three almost daily. Janome: piecing, Brother 1500S: FMQ, and Singer 15: walking foot quilting. I'm a machine addict! Not to count the Singer Quantum that I hate and really need to sell. But it's also too heavy to tote around.

I spent a couple of hours today on E-Bay and found several that tickled my fancy. Of course, I was leaning towards the lovely early 20th century ones, and just missed out on a Singer 99, but now have two other bids out on a New Home and another 99. But I think I'd probably be better off at this point with a more modern one in case I want to try my hand at applique in the group. But keep those ideas coming!

I have a Janome 11000SE and a Jem Platinum . Major advantage ---- all of the feet fit both machines and the seam size with the quilting foot is consistent. I can switch between machines without any problems. Good luck.

go with the brother. i think you'll be happy. very low on repairs.