I could really use some suggestions. I'm looking for an affordable lightweight machine to tote back and forth to my guild. What has worked for you? My dream would be a Singer Featherweight but I have to put that on hold at the moment.

I don't need all the bells and whistles because my Big Brother does embroidery, quilting and computerized. I don't want a Walmart machine but something with a little quality but lightweight.

I have MS and even though I could put it on wheels lifting in and out of the car is getting hard.

Thanks for your suggestions - blessings bunches
Carolyn

Janome Jem Gold or Jem Platinum
I have both - they're terrific machines c. 12-13 lbs, come with carrying case

My Brother C6000i is very portable and very lightweight. Around $150-180.

Singer Featherweight!! of course! 8-)

I have two Feather weights but I would probably grab the Janome Gem Gold I also have. It is the one with the carry case, little sewing machine table, walking foot, quilting and piecing foot plus more. I have over 5 friends that bought this machine several years ago and they do all their quilting on it. It is a 3/4 machine.

The Singer 301 is the "big sister" to the featherweight, is still lightweight and doesn't usually cost as much.

Janome Gem - I have a gold and LOVE it for classes - although I did recently get a good deal on a FW. For now, the Gem is the go-to machine...

I too have a large Brother embroidery and sewing machine and I went with the cs6000i as well. It's a great little machine for travel and is very reasonable on Amazon. Reviews are good everywhere I've seen.

I have a Janome "Heart Truth" which was a special release a couple of years ago and I love it for workshops. Many of my quilting friends love their Janome Gold machines.

I found a second hand Pfaff "satin and denim" that goes with me everywhere - very portable and fabulous machine - I have several other types/brands and wouldn't trade this for any of them!

I bought a BabyLock 9 for easy transport - love it, have had no problems, very reasonable price, does everything I need when I'm away from my larger machine.

I have two Janome Gem Golds. One stays in the trunk of my car so I don't have to pack it for every sewing day. I go to a lot of sew days and classes so it really comes in handy to keep it in the car. The other one is my DD's who left it here and said she't get it later, four years ago. LOL. It's a great little machine. I would buy the new series of the Gem, it has more features for the money.

I love my 301 with the built-in handle on it.. Helps with the taking along!!!

Have you tried criags list or thrift stores?

I bought a little Bernette for 149.00 at my LQS they sell Bernina. It is cute also http://www.berninausa.com/product_de...-i310-sUS.html

You might find a working but cosmetically challenged FW to start. Then sell it when you've got a prettier one (one dealer even allows you to trade in/up). I just got a Brother HS 2000 70 stitch for my kids for $249. Sewed out samples of every stitch and buttonhole and sewed through 5 layers of denim last night. Wanted to be sure it was working well before the return window was up. Sewed through 8 layers of denim in store during the demo. VERY lightweight, but didn't move, even at high speeds. 20 sec buttonholes quite decent. Brother has several models for $200 or less that get good reviews on Pattern Review.