I bought a Babylock Anna for use while traveling. It's a great little machine and was under $200.

I love my 301A machine it is a great machine and definitely lighter than the feather weight machine, that being said I also use a Brother computerized machine that does the job as well. If I am not mistaken my 301A is lighter than the Brother it also has a larger harp space which I love and you can FMQ on too.

For something you can get quick, I too recommend the low end Walmart version of Brother machines. Mine have worked right out of the box. I have one at each of the son's and one here. All find and dandy. Take any thread, thickness, etc.

I also have several vintage machines, including a Featherweight. But, those are not something you can usually get quick, at least around here. It isn't like you head into the thrift store and pick it out. It takes some hunting around for lots of us.

Highly recommend the lower end Brothers.