I will be leaving soon for an unexpected trip to be with my sick mother in France. I have no idea how long I will be gone, but if it is over 3 weeks I can't imagine being without a machine.

I can easily pack rulers, tools and even fabric, but what about a machine?

Any recommendations or suggestions will be appreciate.

I take my featherweight if I am traveling, small and can be carried on the plane.

I'm being told the Janome Gem is awesome...I think there's several different models....Weighs about 12 pounds I think......Also, not sure if it's the same in France, but in England, I had to have an adaptor for the electrical outlet...Good Luck and I hope your Mom's okay...

There are several different machines that are great for traveling. The Singer model 221 Featherweights made between 1933 and 1965 are the best. Janome has the Gem (in Gold and Platinum). Bernina has several models of Bernettes.

You will probably need to take an adapter, as I believe European electricity is 220, while most American machines are wired for 110.

Best wishes and prayers for your mother.

I got a Janome Gem for my grandaughter to learn on, and it's a very good little machine. And it is very very light and very small.

The Janome GEm is about 12 pounds and a good machine. Hope your mom will be okay.

Here is a question for you? Does France use 220 volt electricity? Some European countries do. A 110 volt sewing machine will not work with 220 volt.

Hope your mom is better.

Hi Mary, Thanks for your kind words. Yes they use 220 in France. I travel there often so I have a converter.

I have a baby lock grace I use for class.. Lightweight but still has many stitches available.. I love it.. Its my spare that my daughter uses.. She calls it hers and I just 'borrow' it from time to time.. lol..

Wishing your Mom a speedy recovery (((HUGS)))