I have a Janome 8077 for classes. It is a great machine and is a lot like my 6500, except no thread cutter. I bought a Gem but prefer the 8077 because it is computerized. I got the 8077 at Hancock's Fabric for about $250. They have another model that has pretty much the same features as the 8077, sorry can't remember the model number but it is the same price.

I use my BabyLock Grace for travel. Good machine for piecing your quilt tops.

I have a Janome 660 Gem. It is only 12 pounds and is what I take to classes, retreats and circles. I helped the local Janome sell 35 machines several years ago. All of my friends have them and we all love them.

For Christmas I got the Janome Magnolia 7330---it was just to be portable, but I find myself using it most of the time, home and away!

Yes, the Janome Gem Platinum does have the needle down feature. I use this machine more than any other that I have, including my Brother Duetta & Janome MC10001. Whenever I need to take a machine to a class, the Gem is it. Actually, even at home I use it to piece my quilts. It's fabulous! :D

I have a Janome AQS which you can still buy on amazon. Some LQSs might have them in stock. I love it and it's about 12 pounds.

I recommend the Janome because of the needle over for scant quarter, needle down position, and just because I am a huge fan of them.

I also take my 301. It has reverse and the feed dogs drop for FM. I have a walking foot, 1/4 inch foot and darning foot for FMQ. I LOVE it!!

Love my Janome Platinum Jem 760 more each time I use it. I leave it packed in my rolling machine case and it's ready to go. At 12 lbs., it's sooo much more portable than my Bernina - plus no following the cord behind the cabinet, moving anything, etc.

I tried the Gold, but wasn't happy with it as I wanted a computerized model. The gold was too limiting for me as far as stitch length - you have very few lengths to choose from. Having the Platinum, which is computerized, you have infinte settings. Plus lots of cute stitches.

I purchased mine used through a Yahoo group, sewitsforsale. If you join the group, you can watch for what you are wanting to come up for sale, or you can list ISO (in search of). I only had to wait a couple of weeks after I joined to find what I was looking for at a reasonable price.

I'm looking for a Singer 301 or a 99, for a lightweight portable machine. Don't want plastic and I'm not a featherweight fan.