Traveling Machine
 

I travel to quilt, sew, laugh and learn every Tuesday. My Bernina Patchwork Edition 230 is sooo heavy. It is difficult for me to transport. I love it and will do most of my quilting on it but would like recommendations for a lightweight machine. Doesn't have to be fancy, computerized or expensive. I will use it a few hours a week.

I am glad you asked this question! We also travel and I would like a lightweight machine so I will watch the post! :-)

Featherweight! Wonderful stitch, small, cute as a button, and it gets all kinds of attention everywhere it goes.

I am primarily a Bernina girl myself, but I do love my featherweight for travel. It only does straight stitching, but that's enough for most of my travels. It is wonderful at piecing. If you want an easy to use machine, go for one of the newer models from the 1950s. The needle plate has markings on it and they are generally less expensive than the older machines.

Pam

i also love my featherweight!

A Singer 301. Almost as light as a FW and you can do FMQ as the feed dogs drop.

When I was looking for a take along machine, without using my larger and heavier one, I got a Brother SE-350. It is light but also does some embrodery. I really like it. My larger machine is also a Brother and love them both. They fit my needs. Good luck in the search.

Because you already have a Bernina, maybe search out the lightest one they have. It would be cost effective so that you wouldn't have to purchase extra feet etc.

I have a FW andf 301 which is the FW's mother. Both are super easy to tote. I also have the Janome Jem which has some extra features and will do stitches other then straight. I have the Bernina 1260 and it's a little to heavy for me to carry too far.

I have a lightweight Brother CS6000i which has 60 stitches, uses low shank or snap on feet. The only annoyance is the default needle position is on the left and I have to remember to set it to center (01) or right (37). It may be reprogrammable, as apparently some Brothers can be reset. It comes with the extension table, case (no latch), and many feet. I think it's crazy to spend a lot for a machine and have to buy these items as add-ons. I bought mine used from another quilter about 5 years ago. They can be found new for about $175, refurbished for about $100 (try overstock.com), also AllBrands. I think JoAnns has them on their website. Don't fall for the supposed list price of $350. I use a cane and this machine is light enough for me to tote around. I've had fellow quilters help me carry my gear in to meetings and are surprised to find my tote bag weighs much more than my machine. They of course have the super expensive delicate heavy high end machines, and at least 2 bought a Brother for traveling. Mine has tipped over in the car twice- no problem.

Featherweight!

I use a Janome Jem. Love it. It is light and I take it to my quilting classes with ease. Sews great, has a few extras that I have not used but to piece and ew in class it is great. Got it online, inexpensive.

I have a Janome 3160 QDC and love it. It only weighs 12.5 pounds and all the features I could want. I really am enjoying sewing on it.

I have the Janome Jem for travel and it is very light

I love my Brother portable. It weighs about 10 lbs, came with the extended table and all the quilting presser feet, including the walking foot. Easy to use and goes with me everywhere. I can't tote my Singer Rocketeer, it weighs a ton!

You all have been very helpful! My mom just gave away a FW to a niece. I think I will offer to buy her another beginner machine and trade her for the FW. If that doesn't work, I am on the hint!

Just a warning - once you're used to a Bernina everything else is... Well, not the same. After trying two different Janome's for classes, guild sew-ins, etc., I gave up and got a lightly used Bernina Activa 240. Definitely not a light machine, but at least lighter than my "regular" machine. And I love it - perfect stitches, runs quietly, feet and bobbins interchange with my other Bernina, etc.

I think this is good to remember. I am a Viking/Husqvarna type gal. I just bought a new machine last fall and bought another Husqvarna. I spent hours and used them all. It seems like when you get "used to" how a brand operates it is sometimes difficult to transition. Or I am older and don't want to change! LOL