I have to go with the majority... Janome Gem....I have the platinum and it does everything you need it to do!

I heard from our Bernina dealer that the newest Bernette is really having issues, so stay clear of that...

yes, needle down, feed dogs drop, a few decorative stitches, and only 12 pounds....I have the gold.

also drop in bobbin and all Kenmore feet fit it! So the quilting kit at Sears is the thing to add on to it, if you want to free motion and have the 1/4" foot at a price you can afford!
OH, and it takes the signature prewound bobbins!

And mine has the needle threader....so with my not so good vision anymore, that is definitely a lifesaver.

I take my Singer 301a, a little heavier than the Featherweight, has a carrying handle, and doesn't vibrate or jump around on the table, sews alot better than most of the newer machines. I have a Featherweight, but am not really crazy about.

I have a Janome platinum 720 for classes. It's the same as the 760 but less stitches and less expensive. I also have a Janome 6500 and the attachments fit both machines so that's helpful.

I love my Brother HS2000 that I got from AllBrands.com!! I'm doing everything with it & it's a little trooper! I have a 20 lb lifting limit as I have a real bad back & this can be lifted with one hand! Can't say enough good things about it! I got it last June & it's been sewing almost non-stop without a problem even with the walking foot & the FMQ foot.

I would love a small Janome or a FW. There is a tiny one atWalmart, that is SUPER cute, for 79.99. I have a diffrent Brother that works nice.

When I go to classes or a retreat, I take my Bernina Activa 230. It's a 3/4 machine and not too heavy and does everything.

I had the Janome 760 which is a great machine but I sold it and bought a 3160 because I want the scissors. I LOVE this one alot.