Need smaller machine for taking to class
 

I have a Janome 6600 and would like a smaller lighter machine to take to classes. What should I look at? I was thinking if I get a smaller Janome that the different feet and bobbins may be interchangeable; but would appreciate you feedback..thanks

I just came back from our local sewing center and they had a Janome that was lighter weight around $120.00 for niece. If I had the money I would've gotten it for myself but little more than I want to pay for a 9 year old. Might want to check that out.

Janome has a Gem that I had looked at at the dealer. Only weighs about 13 lb., and should use the Janome feet.

I've got the Janome 4120 QDC it's about the same weight as the Gem. That's what I got to take to class. It's got some of the newer bells and whistles that the Gem doesn't have.

The Viking HClass 100Q is 15 pounds and quite capable. My wife uses it for classes, travel, etc.

http://new.husqvarnaviking.com/en-US...s/H-CLASS-100Q

It's smart to stay with the same sewing machine brand. I'd make sure the feet are interchangeable and the bobbins are the same and you like the way the new machine sews. Some machines are too lightweight and will walk when you try to sew fast.

I have a Brother Innovis D 4000 embroidery/sewing machine combo that went to 1 class. For my next class, I went to our local WM and brought my baby Brother Runway. It doesn't have all the bells & whistles. It does have the ability to move the needle in one of the stitches and some decorative stitches. All the feet are interchangeable. I don't sew a lot with it. It's 5 years old and has never been in the shop. It's very transportable.

I love the Brother cs6000i -- $139.00 at Amazon. The feet are interchangeable with my Janome HT2008, but not with my new Janome 8900. They all take class 15 bobbins. I sew on the Brother several evenings a week as it fits on a TV tray and I sew while watching videos. I really like the machine and it weighs the same as my Singer Featherweight -- about 13 lbs. And has a lot of extras including walking and quilting feet plus an extension table.

I had a Janome Jem and sold it so I could buy the Brother -- I didn't like how limited the Jem was in stitch selection.

thanks for all your input, it helps to get your advice.....

I have two Berninas and love them both but they are so heavy to take along to our quilting group. I JUST YESTERDAY got a Janome Gem and think I am going to be really happy with it. Joann's had them on sale for $199 a couple of weeks ago...with free shipping.

Take a look at the Baby Lock Audrey. It is their smallest, portable machine and is great for piecing. Weighs under 10 lbs. I have even quilted some baby quilts on it.

I purchaed a Brother from Costco, great machine very light only paid 145.00

I have a Bernina which I use for my main sewing machine and just love it! Recently, I purchased a Janome Gem for classes and have been very happy with it.

If all you need for your class machine is a straight stitch without any bells and whistles, I recommend that you get a Singer 221 Featherweight. Singer began manufacturing these in the 1930s and stopped making them in the 1960s. There are many of us on this Board who have at least one, if not more, and I have not heard a negative comment about them. They are light at 11 lbs., are easy to maintain and parts and accessories are easy to find.

my reccommendation (I am not affiliated with company nor do I get commission) a Janome 3128. Hancock Fabric puts them on sale several times a year for less then $100.00 regular price $120-140. i have one. easy to use & lightweight

I love my Janome Hello Kitty 18750, which I purchased especially for carrying along when we are travelling. It has a variety of specialty stitches but is still light enough for my RA hands and shoulders to carry.

Since you already have and like a Janome machine, I'd stick with that brand and just get one of the 3/4 size machines. I bought a Jem because the dealer told me how easily she can take it on plane trips (carry it in a cloth bag and stick it under the seat in front of you).

The featherweights sound nice if all you need is a straight stitch, but I wouldn't want a machine for class that didn't have zigzag capabilities (needed that for a basket-making class recently) or needle up/down.

I don't know the differences between the Jems and the other small Janomes, but I'd want to be sure whichever model I picked had the specific features I want/need. Also, I don't think that feet and accessories are always interchangeable among all the models. I know when I've looked on Janome's website for accessories <http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/Machines/Accessories> that some things have notes specifying which machines they fit.

Have fun trying out and choosing a machine,
Margaret

I got a Janome Jem especially because the feet can be interchanged with my Janome 4900. It is a wonderful little machine with all the specialty features of the bigger machines, just not as many stitch options. I love that it has multiple speed options and up/down needle option. But I was pretty sure I wanted a Janome so did not spend a lot of time checking out the other brands.

Keep your eye out for the singer featherweight, they can be purchased for a reasonable price sometimes.

I bought a pfaff passport last spring when they first came out. Weigh about 13 pounds. Has a built-in walking foot which I love. Love the machine!

My travel machine is the Singer featherweight 221. I have 5 of them ( I restore the old cruddy looking ones )