Why not call the place where the retreat is being held and ask them about machine rentals?

best answer!

What a wonderful prize! Enjoy your trip.

My first move regarding the sewing machine would be to contact the shop or retreat center. They may have ones that could be borrowed, or know where you might rent.

If that doesn't work out, and you are interested in purchasing, contact shops that are near the event. At least you'd save hauling or shipping one way.

With bag sewing being one of the activities, I would be careful about getting a machine. Some bags have a lot of layers of fabric and stabilizer to get through and not all machines can do it. A friend borrowed mine for part of a class (I think it was for the Professional Tote) bc her Pfaff wasn't balking at the thickness.

As I travel quite a bit, I bought a Featherweight specifically for that purpose. In addition, I bought a Blue Fig tote for it. I do wrap the machine in bubble wrap inside the case, which then goes in the tote, but have not had any problems. I have also shipped it via UPS 2x in this way and have not had any problems. UPS tracking is much more user friendly than USPS.

Again, congratulations and have a great trip!

Congratulations, and enjoy your retreat! No other hints available.

How exciting...I’m sure you’re going to have a splendid time. I would inquire about a rental machine before I would purchase one. Good luck.

I like the suggestions about renting, but if you do buy: a mechanical machine will travel better than a computerized one. Computers don't like to be bumped around.

I have a small featherweight for traveling as well, but previous to that I had a small Brother that I bought from a shop here for 200.00 I still have that one as well and it still sews great. I have my Janome 6600 for home sewing. We go on retreats a lot and usually there is a local shop or a place you can rent or use a machine. Someone local who is attending may have a spare machine you could use as well.

Everyone needs a backup machine. Treat yourself to a small, relatively inexpensive Brother or Janome and have it shipped to the retreat or to a store near the retreat. You may find it useful to have a small machine for some specialty uses and the prices at Walmart are reasonable.

The inexpensive Brother’s & Janomes are good for retreats. My personal favorite is Janome Jem Gold, mechanical, sturdy, can sew through layers, strong, fast. Great for travel.
After this retreat you’ll want more so you’ll need a travel machine again!

Oh I would not let cargo baggage handle a Dream Machine or any machine. I agree to buy the most expensive Brother from Walmart. It will last you a long time and be a great travel machine plus back up.