sewing machine for classes light weight
 

Hi, Im thinking of when Im feeling better joining a guild or class but cant carry my regular sized sewing machine anymore. I'll need something really lightweight. Someone mentioned a Janome Mini. Any other recommendations? what does everyone bring to classes or meetings? Thanks!!
Barb

I carry a Janome 3160. It has all the features of some of the larger machines in a light weight.

i have a brother cs6000i and love it

I've had a Brother Inovis 950D about 9 months. It works for me.

Janome 760!! Perfect for classes...a good workhorse! Love it!

If you can get your hands on it, Pfaff Passport 2.0. That is my class machine, as it's lightweight (13.9 lbs), and it has IDT (built in walking foot). It has 70 stitches, adjustable presser foot pressure, auto threader, optional extension table. It sews beautifully. It doesn't have automatic thread cutter, but will tie off. I'm fine without it, as it's meant to be a lightweight machine.

I have the Babylock Audrey and its very lightweight and a workhorse with an extension table also!

I too have this one - light weight and sews nicely. My problem is that I am so used to sewing on my Pfaff I have to stop and re-learn it every time, but I still like it a lot.

Janome 720. Has all the features I want and lightweight. Great for retreats or classes.

The quilt guild woman i spoke to mentioned a Babylock sofia, but I think they are a little pricey. Anyone have one ?

How about a FW?

Brother sq9050

I use the Bernina 350 - it is also used when the grandkids come up to sew. Nice machine.

I like the Janonme 3160 -- I had the 760 but I wanted the thread cutter. It is only 12 pounds but feels and sews like a heavier machine.

I like my Brother project runway---light weight and does what is needed at most classes--wheeeee

I vote for a brother. All of mine are so easy to use and not fussy about thread or lint.

I purchased a husqvarna viking 100 just for classes because of the weight and the constant unplugging of my bernina and janome. When computer scams into schools we were told to unplugged and put away every day. These machines were always going wrong. Once they could stay in situ no problems . I worry that unplugging our machines all the time does the same thing.
The above machine has a selection of stitches as well as a good sewing stitch was recommended on create and craft sewing and purchased when on a special offer.

I recently purchased the Pfaff Passport. It's easy to tote around and has IDT. It's a great "take to class" machine.

I use my 1951 Featherweight.

How about the old reliable Singer Featherweight, can't beat it for ease of transportation and reliability for stitching.

where do you find a feather weight?

A good start for finding a feather weight would be e-bay. Antique stores, junk shops, craige's list.

I also just got one of these and Love it.

I agree Hilary - I have the older Janome 720 - the same machine - but less stitches -- and I love it !!

As long as all you need is a straight stitch, I also recommend the Singer Featherweight - the ones made in the 1950s and 1960s. I have several, but my favorite is my white FW. I have the original case, but I carry it in a Coleman wheeled cooler. I have room inside for the machine, all my fabrics, threads, etc. There is a zipper pocket on the top of the cooler that carries all my marking tools, cutters, scissors and small rulers (12x12 and under). There are pockets on the outside for my lunch and bottled drinks. The only thing I can't put in it is my 6-1/2 x 18" ruler.

I also have the 3160, is very lightweight and has many features my Bernina has.

When I took my first quilting class, this machine was recommended to me. I can pick it up with one hand. It comes with everything you need for quilting and is just a sturdy little workhorse. After about 3 years, I upgraded to a Janome 7700 but I kept my cs6000i for a backup and something to take to classes. It is a wonderful little machine. In many ways, I like it a lot better than my Janome.

I say get a Singer Featherweight. Great little machine to take to class. I have 3 sewing machines, a Janome 11000 Spec. edition, too big to take to class. I also have a Janome AQS2009 and a 1937 Singer Featherweight. I recently found a featherweight table for Miss Ruby. I member of a local bee who quilt every Thursday. We all bring our featherweights to sew on.

Love, love , love my Janome 3160 for classes.

quiltnut4ever. my sister just bought the Audrey and she loves it. It is next on my list of machines since I have a big Babylock and could interchange accessories.

I have the Pfaff Passport 2.0 as well and love it for taking to classes - sews beautifully and is lightweight!

I would love a feather weight, but cactusmomma, you brought up a good point. My other machine is a babylock and it might be easier to interchange things. Never thought of that! Thanks!

Please do NOT waste your money on a Janome mini. A few years ago we bought one for our great granddaughter who was staying with us for a year and wanted to learn to sew. After maybe less than 10 hours of sewing, the machine started sounding so loud I'm sure all neighbors knew we were using that machine. And it just kept getting louder. I have a Brother cs6000i which I take to classes or sewing get togethers.

I'd check out the Baby Lock or the Brother. The BL has the better warranty. I have a higher-end BL and LOVELOVELOVE my machine. The backup is a Brother and it is the one I take to classes. I think it's a "Jeans..."something or other.

I take one of my featherweights, so easy to carry and do not have to worry about computer miss haps, I can also take care of it,with the help from the DVDs on the care of the machines. Saves me a bunch on shop costs.

Ditto! 3160 QDC is not too heavy and great machine!

Ditto here. I've used my Brother cs6000i for several years at quilting classes and love it also. Only limitation is for free motion quilting classes. Then I take my Bernina 440QE.

I need another machine like I need a hole in the head. My main machine is way too big to cart around, and my backups are older metal machines that weigh an absolute ton. But that Janome 3160 is calling my name.. There is one on the Yahoo group Sew it's for Sale for $500 right now (plus shipping) Somebody please buy it before I cave.

I received an e-mail from Joann's that has this machine for $199 with free shipping for a few days.

The Brother cs6000i can be found on Amazon.com for less than $199 and free shipping.
When this day comes for me i would go the Janome Gem 760 route, the Janome Gem 720 seems to be more in supply and less $...