I just got back from a month long stay in Germany. Before leaving with my Janome 3160(which I bought specifically for a travel machine) we looked online and found that the Janome's are made for world power. So all you need it an adapter and you are good to go.
So look online to see that whatever you buy will work in different countries. It was great to sew overseas, but be aware to take all the fabric you need as fabric in Europe is quite expensive. There are not big discount sewing stores so take all the thread, batting, trim that you need.
Happy sewing.

I had no problems going through security. They want to open the machine and look at it. Always asked me what I was making and I was I interested in sewing for them.:-)
I have also checked it and had no problems. I do have a special travel case mad just for sewing machines.
Be sure to pack any scissors in your checked luggage.

Maybe she has a sewing machine and you won't need to take one?????

I agree with the Janome Gem....have one and love it.

Wishing your mom well and doesn't she have a machine by chance. -- J.

I agree totally with this. I had a Janome Jem Platinum and traded it in for a Janome 3160 QDC. More stitches, a bit more robust machine, more attachments and included sewing extension table and hard cover. I use it at home a lot when my 11000 is embroidering, and it's my machine for travel, along with either a FW or a Singer 301.

I have the "Hello Kitty" green machine by Janome (some might call it a 3/4 machine, as it is small). Just got back from an extended stay in Florida. It is NOT a toy. It is manfactured with a lot of metal and has the weight to not "dance" on the table. Has a good straight stitch, zig-zag and actually will do buttonholes. It was perfect for my travel. I got it online from Target for $119 a few months ago. Didn't want to take my Viking and expose it to the humidity from the ocean. I will say a prayer for your Mom. Gerry

I take my Janome Platinum 720 or my featherweight and I would carry it on the plane.

You need to check what the voltage is in France. In Germany everything is 220 Volt so if want to take a Sewing Machine from home you need to get a Voltage converter.

I have an Elna Lotus from many years ago. If you could find a used one, it's a great little machine!

babylock audrey is very small, want to say 11 pounds but don't quote me, a lot of people like them for traveling

And plugs for use in Europe! Not just the converter.

Definitely Featherweight, but if I was going to France, I would be looking for a Featherweight 222 there to bring home. I think most over there are 220 volts. Sorry about your mom, you might consider one of the cathedral quilts which are mostly handwork vs a machine while there. However prices are so much more reasonable on tht side of the pond, I know I would have to shop!!!!:)

You not only need plugs, but the watts needs to be converted. If you run a 100 watt appliance on 220 you will burn it up.

I have the Janome Platium & it is wonderful.It has the needle threader.The needle moves right & left & it has several stitched.It only weighs about 12 lbs.

I have both a Featherweight and a Janome Gem Gold. The Gem Gold is much easier to transport and I am handicapped. The Featherweight is heavier and a more awkward case.

The Janome 3160 is great. It has auto thread cutter for piecing. It weighs 12.5 lbs.I'm sure you could put it on a small wheeled cart. Also check with Janome on 220
D in TX

I have a gem and love it

Before you buy a machine here to use in Europe...they use different electric power volts and plugs than we do so you need to research if you could even use it there.

I love my Brother XR7700 for just this purpose, it weighs 8 lbs and can be found on EBay for $140.00 with free shipping from Ken's Sewing Machine. My prayers for your DM's recovery.

...We bought an Elna Lotus for our daughter...long ago...a super machine...told her not to get rid of it...any idea of what it maybe worth?


I have a Jem Gold, but have never traveled by air with it...have used it when sewing with a group...love it.

When I go home to visit I have taken several light weight machines with me to give to different people. There are no airline restrictions.. the agents just look it over manually and I take it as regular carryon luggage, I usually carry the brother machines that they sell at Walmart. I leave them at home so that I have something to sew on when I go back home. I also pack material around the sides for insulation. Never check your machine in at the counter .. it will probably be thrown around. As someone said before ,scissors and rotary cutters should be put in check luggage.By the way Sears sell the Kenmore mini usually blue in color and that sews really well to.

Featherweight fits perfectly under the airplane seat. I took mine to Hawaii

I am glad many are mentioning the adapter for the electrical outlet because you may be needing that. My suggestion is ask a friend of your mother's to borrow a machine from a fellow quilter there. I am sure your mother has spoken to many of her friends about the beautiful work you must do. Surely, they would not mind loaning a machine out.

Most people seem to like featherweights

The Janome Gem is excellent for travel and I've had one for years. Last year I bought a Babylock Sophia which is about the same size and weight. It comes with an embroidery attachment that is also light and the new ones have a built-in USB area so you just need a thumbstick and you can be embroidering. It is a wonderful little machine and I recommend it highly. Leanne

I have a Babylock 9 that I use for travel. It has worked just fine for the 2 1/2 years I've been packing it for away from home sewing.

Be sure you buy adaptors for the voltage change in other countries - they are not very expensive & usually provide several different plug-ins in one package for various electrical differences abroad. Good luck.
Jan

I agree here. I think it would be better i you can find someone to borrow a sewing machine from. After all, even a light weight sewing machine weighs 10 pounds or more. I'm sure your mom's friends or neighbors wouldn't mind leanding you a sewing machine, seeing that they know why you are going over there.

I hope your mom gets better. I have a Bernina Bernette 46 and I absolutely LOVE it!! Very light and sews beautifully.

Baby Lock Grace, A workhorse that only weighs 17 pounds.

Thank you one and all for your recommendations and kind thoughts. What a wonderful bunch you all are!

I went to sears online and found one that is really , less than 10 lbs, easy to use and has everything for sewing a straight stitch. Somne of the airlines will charge for extra weight.

I use it when traveling and at classes.

Hope mother is soon better and you have a safe trip.

I love my Janome Gem. Lightweight, smallish and does everything well.

I often take my big Janome 6600 though, if the retreat is more that a couple days. I have a Tutto carrying case on wheels which make it easy to cart.

Thanks again for all your help. I am leaving tomorrow. I finally decided to take my Brother SQ9000 and of course my converter and adapter. It does everything, and only weighs 9.9 lbs. I found a rolling carry on with handle at WM for $14 on clearance! The hard part is figuring out what fabrics to take. Hmm... need to make star blocks, house blocks, OBW stuff... I have set aside an assortment of tools to take too.

I hope I have room to bring some clothes! I don't plan on buying any fabrics there as they are very expensive. I do plan, however, on going to the thrift stores, to look for clothes that can be taken apart and used.

Thanks again for your outpouring of suggestions and good wishes for my mom. Gotta love the Power of the Group!

I hope your mom will be okay and we will keep you and her in our prayers.

Update: I had a great time visiting with my mom. I took my spare machine and all my stuff with me, but the first time I plugged the machine in with the transformer, it made a popping noise and then expired. I lugged it all the way home, only to learn that the repair would be more expensive than what I paid for it. Luckily I had purchased a 2 year Replacement Plan from Overstock.com. It was very easy, and I don't have to send the machine back. Nevertheless, it was a little work horse and it broke my heart to throw it away.