Suggestions for machine to take RVing
#61
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Marengo, Iowa
Posts: 802
Originally Posted by Bluphrog
If you're just going to be piecing, then a Featherweight or something of that size is the way to go. Bernina just came out with a very small machine. The Bernettes are also great and just a little heavier. Janome Gem and Gold are also relatively lightweight. And Baby Lock has a nice little machine that weighs about the same as the Bernette.
#62
I have the Janome gem and platinum--both are great. I like the bigger selection of stitches on the platinum (including the blanket stitch). I was at a quilt retreat once when I saw a woman quilting a full size quilt on the gem. I tote mine back and forth to my bees without trouble. Brother also makes a similar machine that i've seen at some retreats. I don't have a comparison, but it is cheaper I know.
#64
Congratulations on your fifth-wheel! We lived in our 40' fifth-wheel for 3 1/2 years while we "bummed" around. I had a Brother that I could easily set on our dining table and it didn't weigh much. It had plenty of stitches and I never had a bit of trouble with it :) Happy traveling :)
#65
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Posts: 375
We RV alot in a old C cab right now - want to move into a 5th wheel or larger trailer for future retirement travels. But I do travel with a small Janome AQS 25th anniversary edition - 12 pounds in weight. It has needle down, FMQ, lots of stitches, a little work horse and I also added an acrylic table topper to extend my working area. Do alot of piecing, blocks and small projects while camping outdoors but keep the big stuff for when I get home to my Pfaff 2.0 Expressions. I also take my old serger for quilt as you go projects and lots of hand sewing projects, too. Just depends on my mood and the location.
#68
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 419
Living in our 5th wheel usually half of the year (in this day and age you gotta go where the work is), I usually have a couple of machines with me. Have a 30 X 60 table that I use - put the machine in the middle, small cutting board on one side and ironing pad on the other. When I'm not using the table, it goes behind the couch, the machines go under the entertainment system and the fabric is in totes in the basement. Current projects are in the uppers over the chairs. My Bernina has never had an issue being with me. My biggest problem is the number of quilt stores in this country - always take an empty tote to handle the overflow situation!
#70
I live on the road fulltime with my husband. Right now we are looking to replace our motorhome, so living out of motels, but have lived in RVs for 12+ years. A lot of it will depend on whether you go out fulltime (then I take my upgraded Janome 10,001 plus), or just for a while. For short periods, I take hand work, and for longer periods I take smaller Janome (can't remember model, but it's about $400). Also need to keep in mind ALWAYS use a surge protector. It has saved our TV several times. And, don't run a computerized machine off a generator. I only use it when we are at campgrounds running off regular electricity. Generators do not have a constant power rate like city electric, and if you need to check, try using a digital alarm clock on one and see what time it says when you get up in the morning! Feel free to PM if I can help in any other way, have had lots of experience with the good and the bad.
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