Yup, like I need another yard of fabric...but, here is my dilemma. I need a good 1/4inch piecing machine for our RV/Trailer. My Pfaff is way too heavy and I hate to tear down and then put up.
Any suggestions? Not too spendy, please!!!
Kirsten

Singer Feather Weight !!

Janome makes a Jem Platinum. Its an excellent machine!

I have a Janome Gem Platinum that I use in our RV. It's great. Has quite a few decorative stitches but is light weight and small. Also easy to haul around to quilting groups and classes. You might need extra lighting but that is the only problem I have run into.

I have a super cheap little Brother XL2600 that does everything I could ever want for piecing and I have even quilted several twin sized quilts on it.

It has decorative stitches, a great blanket stitch for applique and it very light. It even has a built in handle in the back.

I bought a janome 3128 for classes & travel. Sews good, much better then I expected. Mine was on sale at Hancocks for less then $100.00. H puts them on sale regularly. Very light weight. I have pieced and quilted with it. A featherweight would be my dream, but right now not in budget.

My 8 yr okld DGD loved it when she visited.

Does anyone have suggestion for a simple to use for a long arm machine? I am a newbie & need all the advice I can get from actual users!

Thanks,
I will have to check these out...
K

My Singer 301A just did a fantastic job on a quilt. She was much less than a FW.

Hmmmm.......... she said not too spendy. You have to get really lucky to get a FW for cheap :D

i vote for featherweight

Featherweight!!! Watch Ebay. Well....guess it depends on your budget.

I have a late 80's phaff 1467. It is great for traveling and I bought the 1/4 inch foot and works great.

I have 2 Brother machines, both are less than $200 from overstock.com.

The Brother CE5500 is $109, has 50 stitches, and comes with walking foot, 1/4 inch foot, and hopping foot. Very lightweight and I love it.

The Brother XR9000 is $169, has 100 stitches and a built in alphabet. This does not come with 1/4 inch foot, but is heavier duty. I love it too.

These machines are refurbished for this price, but they come with a 25 year warranty. My mom bought both of them, also. We have had no problems.

My personal choice is the featherweight, but then I'm a Luddite. I don't like machines with electronic components.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I totally vote for a Featherweight! They are fabulous machines!!!

Singer 301-feed dogs drop for fmq, has a slant shank so you can see everything, very easy to maintain.....and even though it will never happen-if something goes wrong-you can do the repair yourself because it's mechanical. That's why so many vintage machines are still around for 60, 100 or 130 years, they were built to last with quality parts!

For cheap and lightweight I would go with a basic Brother. Mine has served me very well. It is not particular about threads or fabrics and doesn't need regular maintenance other than me cleaning out the chenille from the bobbin case!!