My favorite is the same brand as my main machine. Similarities make it easier for me.

Pfaff machines are great. When I changed brands it was because of a very unfriendly dealer. She wanted to show me what it would do but didn't want me to check it out for myself. Hasn't changed my love for my Pfaff 7550.

I have a Bernina 180 that I take.

Can't beat a Featherweight. I love mine. Face it, when I go to a class I only straight stitch anyway. Featherweights are beautiful, a part of history, mechanical (which means I can do the maintenance) and don't cost as much as the name brand plastic machines.

If you have a costco nearby, get the Brother sewing machine they sell. That's what I did for a travel machine. It's a low price, has needle up/down, etc. And if I drop/break it while traveling, it was only $150 down the tubes, and not the thousands I spent on my Bernina.

I agree....I take my featherweight or my 301......love them both

I have a Pfaff and the IDT is AWESOME! You just drop your needle and go! Most of the time I don't even have to change the foot I'm using, let alone the hassle of removing the shaft and fussing with the parts of the usual walking foot! My machine is the quilters expression 4.0 and it's pretty big heavy to tote to the shop. I know they just came out with a new PFaff that is smaller and simplified. I'm not sure about the IDT though.

If your Elna is one of the older mechanical machines, I votefor a good servicing and saving your money. My second choice would be a SingerFeatherweight 221 or Singer slant 301.

I have a Babylock Grace which I use for classes, and I'm pleased with it.

I'm number 4 (maybe 5) for a featherweight. Love mine, and it is sooooo cute.

Have to go with the featherweight crowd. Only 10 lbs makes it an easy choice. And I love the history behind them. If I use the "lil foot" (brand name) as a guide for the 1/4" on the featherweight it exactly matches my Bernina 880. I have switched back and forth between machines with no problem at all.