I have a Janome Gem that I take to a weekly class - and have 7-8 friends who do the same. It is a great little machine. Yes, it does have needle down. June

My friend and I both bought the cheaper Brother machine to take to classes because it is lighter to carry. Plus I personnally think it is hard on a machine to be carrying them around, being in a hot or cold car. This way you are not out hundreds of dollars if something happens to it. We have had no trouble with ours. As a matter of fact I have been using mine at home because my better one is in the shop. It might be worth checking out. I accually got mine at Wal-mart.

I have an under $200 Brother that is lightweight, it is my traveling machine and I can do everything but embroider with it.

Ah, but which brand has stood the test of time? I have an FW and a Singer 201. One is 50 years old, the other 65 this year. Like a timex watch...'keeps a likken and keeps on tikken.' Granted I know very little about Janome.

Another vote for Singer 301A, big sister to the featherweights. Not as expensive, feed dogs drop for free motion quilting (featherweights don't). Awesome stitching and you'll look KEWL too ;)

[quote=custompolz]I am wanting to get a machine to take to classess

I cannot afford a Featherweight (at least have not seen one yet for a bargain) so I bought a Babylock 9 & it works very well for take-along. Its lightweight, stitches nicely, and has all the basics for classes.

I have the Janome Jem Platinum for classes.

I had the White D'Lite 1750C. Weighted 12 lbs. Had 66 built in stitches - needle up/down, drop feed etc. Loved it but gave it to GD as I seldom take one to class. It cost between $200 and $300 including shipping. Think I bought it from All Brands.

I take a Bernina 210 to classes. It's lightweight, has the needle down option, and several decorative stitches. Best feature for me --- the feet for the Bernina 210 are the same as the feet for the Bernina 440 which is the machine I sew with at home. Love both of my Berninas.

I have a Brother SQ 9000 from Wal*Mart. It costs $200. It weighs 10#. The Janome Gem weighs 12#. I got it to take to classes but we're in FL for the winter and it will have to wait until we return home. It does have a needle-down feature, sewing speeds and the opportunity to use the "start" button instead of the foot pedal. I do wish it had a larger throat area.