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-   -   Which Machine to take to Class? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/machine-take-class-t228977.html)

BETTY62 08-30-2013 12:41 PM

I would take the one I like to sew on best.

Pete 08-30-2013 02:16 PM

I have a bad back so I bought a small Janome at Hancock's (for $49 on sale)- I can lift it with 2 fingers! Previously I had a Singer Scholastic that I took to class and retreats because my Bernina that I use at home is way too heavy ---but now my Singer is also too heavy. Was going to buy a Featherweight - but it is not a featherweight--weighs 15 lbs.

KyKaren1949 08-30-2013 02:29 PM

I take my Featherweight to classes and retreats. Only 12 pounds and it fits down inside a rolling crate (from Office Depot) with the rulers, cutting board, fabric and tools I'll need.

Nammie to 7 08-30-2013 03:37 PM

I only take my 830 if the class is designed for that machine. Otherwise I take my Bernina 350 - smaller and easier to handle going to a class.

Debbie C 08-30-2013 04:20 PM

My featherweight usually tags along with me - simple to transport, easy too use and my friends just love her!!

Silver Needle 08-30-2013 06:38 PM

There are perfectly wonderful vintage featherweight 221 sewing machines you can get to take to class. They stitch better than the lightweight machines today and only weigh 10 lbs. They are worth a look. They only sew forward and backward but what else do you need in a quilt class?

purplefiend 08-30-2013 08:57 PM

It depends on what I'm doing in a quilt class, that determines which machine I take. For most classes a Singer featherweight or 301 goes with me. If I'm quilting either the Bernina or Viking Sapphire 875.
Sharon

Tiggersmom 09-01-2013 01:47 PM


Originally Posted by Jackie Spencer (Post 6261486)
My husband makes fun of me when I take my Bernina to classes, I set it in the back seat of my van in its travel case and use the seat belt.


I think you are one smart lady!

Lovequilting22 09-01-2013 01:57 PM


Originally Posted by patski (Post 6262774)
I agree I would take the older machine. I was at a class and during a "break" one of the sewers machine was taken! It was not a happy afternoon!

I would be devastated if someone stole my Babylock! Oh my goodness, I can't even imagine how that person must have felt!

madamepurl 09-01-2013 03:00 PM

I have a Janome 3160 that I take to class and sew-ins. Love that machine and it sews very similar to my Janome Horizon, which just isn't portable in my mind.

Luv Quilts and Cats 09-01-2013 03:18 PM


Originally Posted by Aria (Post 6261292)
I would take what you will be using at home. There are rolling cases that make it a lot easier to lug our machines around, now. And, some retreats have men there to help carry our heavy items for us!! :)

Get a rolling cart as suggested above. I have a Janome DC 2007 LE and it is my only machine. The rolling cart really helps move it along.

mom-6 09-01-2013 05:09 PM

Unless there are specific features of one machine or the other that makes it better for that particular class, I would take the one I feel most comfortable taking along.

For me that is my featherweight. It is my favorite machine, sews beautifully, is easy to transport and not likely to be "bothered" by being moved around.

petthefabric 09-01-2013 06:57 PM

[QUOTE=mom-6;6268477]Unless there are specific features of one machine or the other that makes it better for that particular class, I would take the one I feel most comfortable taking along.

Agree with this. What features do you need for the class project. Take the one you want to use and is easy to transport.

I have 4 machines. The lightweight small machine that's easy to move and does most stitches. The straight stitch, semi-industrial with a great harp space, very dependable. The standard size zig-zag with lots of bells and whistles. The Bernina 830 with embroidery attachments, it does everything but it's heavy and large.

When I'm teaching at the Bernina store, I take a Bernina or sew on one of their's. Traveling and piecing, I take the lightweight machine. If I'm quilting I take the "great harp space". Want to learn how to use a particular machine, I take that machine.

And I love wheels. I have a case for each machine and don't carry them, I wheel them. I'll even park to use ramps so I don't have to carry them.


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