sewing machine for quilt class
 

Hi Ladies!

I was wondering if any of you, or do you know of anyone, who has a Janome Jem Platinum? It runs approx. $450.00. I want to purchase a light weight machine to take to quilt class and this seems like a good machine. Is it worth the money?

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

I have a Janome Jem Gold. I bought it for classes and it works great and is super easy to carry (it looks like you're carrying a bowling ball.) I've only used it for straight line piecing but have never regretted the purchase.

My niece's have one the Jem's, Gold I think, great machine. It is 3/4 size and light weight.

Personally, I think it depends on what you are used to working on. Having had a Bernina for almost 20 years, I bought the Jem Platinum for retreats, classes and guild sew-ins. It gets rave reviews, but for me, it just did not have the sturdy feel that I am used to from my Bernina.

Unfortunately, I didn't keep the box it came in, so although I'll probably be selling it, I don't think I'll be able to ship it. Without the custom packing, I'd be afraid of damage in transit. If you're in Western/Upstate NY, and interested, please let me know!

I have the Gem Platnium and love it. it is a great "take along". I would highly recommend it. I also have the SE1100 and it makes easy to switch between the two. Same stitching, feet exchange, etc.

People like them. I use my cheapie brother for classes can't see spending 500 just for a machine for class that you will not use often.

Go with a vintage featherweight for sewing classes. They are light weight, only 11 pounds and cute as a button. If you think you might need reverse get their big sister the Singer 301, Only 15 or 16 pounds and they can be found in several colors.

I just bought a Brother lightweight for classes and it costs $80. Love this little machine.
Just have to get used to lifting the foot since my big Sapphire machine has the auto foot.
My problem now is I am short and the tables at my quilting meetings are to high for me and I have to sit on the edge of the chair and lean up to see my sewing. So wont be doing much sewing at meetings.

Recently, I sold a couple machines that did not have the box they came in. I got a box that was bigger and wrapped lots of bubble wrap around them and had no problems. I sent them UPS.

I have the older Janome Jem Gold and it has never given me a problem. It stays in the trunk of my car and has been used for dozens of different people and at kid's classes too. It has not been treated gently and sews great. The feet are very reasonably priced and Brother snap on feet will fit Janome snap on. It sews all the different brands of thread with no problem. If I was buying a great class machine I would buy another Janome portable.

I love my Janome Jem Plantinum. I bought it to take to classes because I could not longer haul my old Brother. I bought the Plantinum because it had a lot of the same stitches as my Brother and I use the decorative stitches a lot. I also teach sewing classes and have brought my machine to class for my students to use if I needed an extra machine. It is lightweight so I always have a piece of the rubberized mat you put in your kitchen cupboards to set your plates/glasses on (I got it at the dollar store) to put my machine on so it doesn't move around.