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)))

Hope your Mom gets well soon!

Would it be possible to rent a machine or borrow one while you are there? That might be a better solution. Hope your travels are safe.

I hope your Mom is okay!! HUGS to you.

I have a featherweight I like to take but if you are going to purchase one, Baby Lock has an Audrey that is really nice, small and lightweight. Good luck to you and many prayers for a speedy recovery for Mom.

Ditto :thumbup:

Brother has some small lightweight machines that might work for you. I have a CS4000. It surprised me in that it doesn't do bad and it has 30 decorative stitches and they are up to 7mm in width. Much nicer than the 5mm decorative stitches. Healing thoughts going out to your mom and for traveling mercies for you. You are a good daughter to fly to be with her.

Just what I was going to say. ;-)

I've had a Janome Gem for 3 yrs (or is it 4??) and I take it to classes all the time. It's lightweight AND a workhorse. I love this little machine and haven't considered buying a bigger one!!!

Janome Gem. I have one and it is super!

Janome Platinum Gem for me. Perfect!

Hope everything goes okay for you and your mom.

Janome Sew Mini. They are about $49 at Hancock Fabrics. They are a little bit bigger than a kids sewing machine but run like a regular sewing machine. I work at Hancock and gals there buy them for traveling and for keeping them in their campers, etc. Haven't had one returned so I think they really like them.

If you are not wanting to invest a lot of $$, I have a Brother CS6000i that I purchased just to take to classes. It is lightweight, inexpensive (I have seen them on Ebay for as low as $169.00 - I purchased mine from QVC). It comes with several feet, mine even came with a walking foot! It is a great little machine.

...just make sure whatever you take can work with an adapter.....aren't the outlets overseas different than ours????
You can shop online for an inexpensive lightweight machine....I have a brothers that fits the bill perfectly - fits in the overhead compartment even after the airlines scaled down their oveheads!

A couple of my friends have the Janome Gem machines and love them for classes etc. I would find out about electricity as some places you have to have an adapter (or something-don't know what to call it)

Def a FW if you can swing it. Second choice would be the Janome 3160.

I have a Janome Jem Gold and actually brought it as a carry on. Fits in the over head. I found a small rolling tote that fit it perfectly and was even able to put my extension table in there too. I figured even 12 lb.s gets heavy after carring it around the airport for awhile.
Hope your Mom is better soon

I have a Brother SQ9000, which I got for that reason. It weighs 10# and you can get it at Wal*Mart for $199. I know that you have to get an adapter to use in France.

Love, love my Janome Jem Platinum 760. I have the original Jem and use it occasionally (am saving it for granddaughter), but the 760 has a lot of stitches and other capabilities.

The 3160 is the same as a 760 only with a bigger body. Same lightweight. Comes with ext table and hardcover case. Gotta love Janome for those lightweight, easy to carry machines! :)

I have the Janome Platinum 760 that I use as my traveling machine. It's lightweight & perfect for traveling & has alot of nice features. Best of luck on your trip & speedy recovery for your mom.

Janome Magnolia - does everything a big machine does, about 3/4 of the size.

I have this machine also, and I love it. It does more than just basic stitching and it's still manageable for classes, workshops, etc.

I have had a Janome Gem for several years and take it to classes, retreats, etc. I wouldn't be without it.

I agree with scowlcat. I'd look into the possibility of renting or borrowing a machine to use while there. You wouldn't have to be bothered with managing it through airports or wondering if it will successfully make the trip both ways with you and in a timely manner. Too, it will already be compatible with their power source.

prayers to you and your mom..........

Well if you don't already have a featherweight, and would like to have one, there are always several available on Ebay in other countries with the 220. Then you wouldn't have to carry it there. I used to travel with my FW on 2 week business trips, but not any more with the airport security rules. Afraid they wouldn't let me take it as a carry on, it being metal. Does anyone know for sure if airport security would let me carry it on the airplane?

Best wishes and a quick recovery for you mom. I'm glad you are able to go to her.

Wishes for a speedy recovery for your Mother. Something you might want to consider is to purchase the machine after you arrive at your Mother's. Due to all the airline restrictions and charges, and the difference in the electrical wiring differences. Just a thought. Have a safe trip.

Stay with the featherweight. The less complicated electric machine will work much better on the different current than a newer electronic machine.

When I was traveling for work and took my Janome mini with me I carried it on but had to remove the needles - so I had to check my luggage. check on line and see what you can fine.