Inexpensive Machines for workshop
 

Morning Ladies. What do you all use for lightweight/inexpensive machines to take to workshops/camp? I am looking at the Brother CS6000 - Project Runway machine. Your suggestions would really help my decision. Thanks Tina

I use Brother Jem or my Featherweight.

Drew

I know a lady that uses one of those very light, very inexpensive machines from JoAnn's that go on sale for about $30!!!
For myself, I bought a Bernina 330 when it was on sale at my LQS. Probably anything that sews a straight stitch will work.

I bought a Janome for close to $300. at Hancocks to take when I do charity sewing. I really like it and is MUCH lighter weight than my Brother Quattro.

I use either my FW 221 or a janome 3128 that I purchased at hancocks for less then $100. They always put them on sale. The janome has been dropped a couple of times and is as good of a work horse as my FW. The Janome has a zigzag stitch and a couple of other choices. my niece bought her Janome on line.
Good Luck

I purchased a refurbished Janome for $65 on overstock.com. I know that they carry refurbished sewing machines. I had emailed Janome and they said all refurbished machines are done by an American company whose name I cannot remember and they sell them with warranties on the overtock sight. With the machine, 1 year warranty and shipping, I paid $89. I absolutely adore this machine. It is a little workhorse and very quiet. Have been bringing back and forth to workshops and retreats and it cannot be beat for that price.

I have a Viking Huskavarna that's pretty old and lightweight. I bought it years ago and keep it in my closet and take it to classes and retreats. It was my baby for years and now it's my back up. Works great. Never had a problem with it. Made payments for two years to buy it. My first one cost $300 and gave it to my daughter. It is a Viking Huskavarna, also. Still works great. They are work horses. They might be a little expensive now, I don't know. My good machine weighs 37 pounds and doesn't leave my desk. Too heavy.

I use either my featherweight or mechanical Brother. I have never had a disappointment (yet) with the Brother.

I take either the Featherweight or the Singer 301.

I take my Featherweight.

A few years ago my husband found a Genie 354 at a garage sale. It's not lightweight, but it was compact -- until I had to replace the foot pedal. That's when I dug out a scrap booking case on wheels. It's great. My machine, my seat cushion, new pedal, box of notions (thread, scissors, ripper, etc) and project all fit the case. It's not necessarily what I wanted, but the price was right (I bought a new school supply box, pair of small scissor, seam ripper and pin cushion to leave with the sewing machine).

Now, having said that, I considered a featherweight -- but many(most?) don't zigzag. But I'm a quilter, "I don't need a zigzag." Then I'm reminded of the class that I TAUGHT!!! that needed zig zag (applecore using the Wonder Arc pattern). Also, it's hard to applique with a straight stitch only machine. So, if you go for a featherweight make sure you still have something you can take to classes/retreats on those occasions when you'll use the zigzag feature.

Oh -- the machine I was looking at is the Janome 7330, but decided I should save my money for the long arm I eventually want to buy.

I take my Janome AQS, which is pretty light.

I have always used my cheapo brothers for classes, never had a problem with any