I have the Brother cs6000i..bought it on sale at Joanns..it came with all the feet,and is great to take to all my classes. For the money it's a great machine! I quilt everything from a table runner to a king size quilt on it!

Instead of you choosing a machine, let her choose it. Go to dealers, check out machines. Since she is the one who will be using it, let her decide. There have been several women on this board whose husbands had picked out a new sewing machine. While the ladies loved their husbands for giving them a new machine, the actual machine that they were given,they didn't like them so much. Imagine your wife picking out a new tool for you. While she would have only the best intentions, you might not like the new tool so much. A new sewing machine has to fit the new owner. If it doesn't, it probably won't get used as much. Just a thought.

If she already has a Janome, I would suggest another Janome. Feet are interchangeable, similar set up, etc. I had a Janome 6500 and needed something lighter for classes. I bought a Janome 3160. It is a great machine and has many of the bells and whistles other Janomes do. Lightweight...love it.

I had both the Janome Jem 720 and the Janome Jem Platinum 760 that I bought specifically to take to classes because I could no longer haul my Brother mechanical, it was just too heavy. The only difference between the 2 was the 760 had more stitches, the 720 just had the basic stitches. I sold the 720, only because I really didn't need 2 machines for classes. I now also take my 760 on the plane with me whenever I travel. Both are great machines, I also invested in a Sew Steady table for the machine, it's just a nice little "perk" that provides an extended bed for the machine.

Not sure if this is the correct way to post a reply to my own post????Many thanks to all who offered their thoughts on purchasing a lightweight machine for my wife's birthday...I am amazed and thankful for the responses....many of the responders felt that I should wait and let my wife pick out what she wants, and I understand your point...however, I wanted the new machine to be a 68th birthday surprise! I do know that she is interested in the lightweight Janome's.....and due to your ideas, I will make sure that whatever machine I get can be returned/exchanged for another...Because we have been married for so long, it is quite difficult to think of unique gifts for each other, but I still try hard to find something that will surprise and thrill her....I think this will do it!!! Again, thanks so much for your kind responses....Dave Murray, Cape Cod, MA

Featherweights have passed the test of time. And I have yet to see any machine make a nicer stitch, in my humble opinion.

Oh to have a featherweight! What joy that would be. I prefer the vintage machines hands down regardless of what model. However, if you are going to get a new one, a little Janome gem is a dandy. I have one and enjoy it.

As I do not own a new machine, I cannot offer advice on one.
That said, when going to a class or retreat, I always drag my Featherweight, Violet, along with me. She loves to travel.

Your wife is a lucky lady to have a husband like you!! Whatever machine you get her, you may want to look into a rolling cart for a toolcase instead of buying one from Joann Fabrics. Their carts are not exactly cheap, even if on sale. I found a really neat simple rolling cart (for toolcases) at Harbor Freight and I used the 20% off coupon. It was on sale, too. The side may not zip down as it does for the sewing machine cart, but it will do fine for a lightweight machine.