I just got a Bernette made by Bernina. I'ts about $195, light weight and works like a dream.

go for a featherweight.
It sews like a champ and will last forever!

I got a Jenome Jem Gold that I take to retreats etc. It's in your price range and since you own another Jenome (I also have the 6500) you can use your feet/bobbins etc. without getting all new accessories.

I got a machine at Costco for 189.00. It's a Brother XR9000 and its an impressive machine for the price. It is very lightweight and has 80 different stitches and an alphabet stitch. I carry it to guild meetings because I don't want to lug the Viking Designer around and the old Singer is just way, way too heavy. The Brother works fabulously. Check it out on the Brother site. It's in the discontinued section, but many Costco's still have them.

Misty, I have not read everyone's comments but if it hasn't already been suggested... I would definitely go for a Featherweight. They are around 11#, sew straight stitches, all metal... just an all around great machine for traveling. I sew on mine at home a lot! Mine cost $250. Look on Craigslist.org. Sometimes you can get them for less.

Visit the Vintage Sewing Machine Shop in the Virtual Section on this board and you will also be able to learn how to clean and service it yourself. Plus, meet a bunch of cool quilters. Happy hunting! :D

I could check out the machines at WALMART and SEARS..they usually have some good buys..or perhaps a sale at JOANNS!!!!!!

I have the Janome 423S. It is the only machine I have and I take it all over with me.

try Craig's List

I purchased a Brother CE-4000 machine through Costco.com. It is very light weight. It has a stitch width and length adjustment, comes with 7 different feet, multiple stitches including blind hem, overcast and more. I wanted it because my other machine was too heavy to lift in an out of the car to take to my quilt group. It was less than $125. Another member of my group saw it and got herself one as well. We are both happy we have them.

I bought a Brother computerized that was under $300 for use at my daughter's home in America when I am visiting.

Warning! - I just read on another topic that different machines can produce very different results... regarding seam allowances. They recommend that whatever machine you begin a project on, you finish it on. There was a picture of 2 strips that were quite different in size because one machine was 1 or 2 threads different. Interestingly enough, the machine that sewed the most accurately was an old model Singer.

Just a thought.