I was lugging my Bernina 440 to class when I discovered the Bernina 210. Basic machine, much lighter, and much less expensive. Best of all, the feet for the 440 and the 210 are interchangeable. My Bernina 210 is my traveling and go to class machine. I love it!

WalMart sells the Singer machine for $79 and it lightweight and has some of the zig zag stitches even! Perfect for those road trip/stay in small places/hotels....

Even singer ha come out with a Featherweight 2. If this is a machine to be ported here and there and may get a bit roughed up don't blow the bank on an expensive one. New machines are not made to last. Hancock fabrics has a 3/4 Janome for under 70.00 Wouldn't waist money on the Walmart brands unless you know you will be throwing it away. One of the problems we regualarliy see with the newer models is poor stitch quality even with drastic tension adjustments. We work with used and vintage machines and almost always feel as sense of loss over the decline in quality even by the leading brands when we handle newer machines. Think too about where you're traveling and how much you'd be out if it got stolen or broken.

Have you checked out any of the Brothers models that sell for under $200 at Walmart or online with free shipping from Ken's. They weigh 8 lbs or less, certainly portable and work great. Good Luck :thumbup:

I have the Janome mini and used it to travel with. Light enough to carry on a plane. Did need to compete the top on it seems the 1/4 inch was just a little off. But again that's a small problem and easy to take care of.

Ruby the Quilter

Definately the Janome Jem!!! They are little workhorses, too!! Get one -- you'll LOVE it!!!! :thumbup: :thumbup:

I got a little Brother machine. I purchased it specifically for it's portability. It weighs about 12 pounds, has about 60 stitches and a 1/4" foot. It was under $150, found it on the internet.
good luck!

The Janome Gem is wonderful...I own one....the Platinum model.

This is EXACTLY what I have done! :thumbup:

I have the Janome Gem Gold that I bought for classes, etc. I like it so much, though, that I often sew at home with it instead of my Bernina! Just a great little machine - 11 lbs or so.