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.

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.