What's a good choice for a second sewing machine?
#1
Super Member
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Gaylord, MN
Posts: 4,013
What's a good choice for a second sewing machine?
I recently purchased a new sewing machine but it is very heavy to take to retreats, classes, and am looking to purchase a good mechanical machine for just my straight stitch quilting - any suggestions?
#2
There are several mechanical janome jems on ebay right row for a low price. They are light weight and easy to sew on. I have a silver anniversary one and it is still going after many years.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40
#4
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
I would check with my local quilt shop and see what they've got. I checked with mine awhile back and they had one for about 140.00. Can't remember if it was a Janome or Brother. Only weighed about 13 pounds if I remember correctly. I don't think my own machine weighs much more than that. I'll have to check. HMMM. ANyway check with your local quilt shop.
#5
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Eastern Washington
Posts: 29,525
I use my Featherweight--weighing about 11 lbs. The 301A is another idea. Weighs 16 lbs. and has a carrying handle built in the machine. It is a slant shank.
Both machines are mechanical, and you can do servicing yourself.
Both machines are mechanical, and you can do servicing yourself.
#9
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,139
Look at Brother mechanicals in Walmart. I have one that I keep in my NJ home for when I'm visiting there, and it works like a champ. It's a pretty basic machine, but the straight stitch is true and it's easy to use. It doesn't weigh too much either. The other benefit is that if you should drop it or, as we used to say, "it picks up feet and walks away", you're out less than $100.
A lot of people will suggest that you stay clear of the Walmart Brothers, but this is my 4th Brother. Three of the machines are still in service after about 3 years. The other one was used for about 6 years before it fell to it's untimely end while we were traveling. I had used and truly abused that machine for 6 years before it fell, and, before it fell, it was still working like new. Please note that when I bought it I didn't even know that it had to be cleaned, that's how abused it was!
I also invested in an inexpensive wheeled sewing machine/crafter bag from Walmart. Works very well for my needs, and makes it really easy to transport any one of my machines.
Having said that, I don't usually cart my sewing machine to guild because I found that I yak so much that I don't get much sewing done! In fact, the last time I did bring it with me, I sewed only 4 stitches (Yes, "4"!) and then it was time to leave. I guess I'm easily distracted...
A lot of people will suggest that you stay clear of the Walmart Brothers, but this is my 4th Brother. Three of the machines are still in service after about 3 years. The other one was used for about 6 years before it fell to it's untimely end while we were traveling. I had used and truly abused that machine for 6 years before it fell, and, before it fell, it was still working like new. Please note that when I bought it I didn't even know that it had to be cleaned, that's how abused it was!
I also invested in an inexpensive wheeled sewing machine/crafter bag from Walmart. Works very well for my needs, and makes it really easy to transport any one of my machines.
Having said that, I don't usually cart my sewing machine to guild because I found that I yak so much that I don't get much sewing done! In fact, the last time I did bring it with me, I sewed only 4 stitches (Yes, "4"!) and then it was time to leave. I guess I'm easily distracted...
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I had a Brother CS6000i that was my portable & free-arm machine but I recently gave it away and decided I wanted a nicer machine - I settled on a Janome 3160QDC. I picked that machine MOSTLY because it has the scissor cut button, which I have come to regard as a NECESSARY feature. It wasn't cheap, but it was totally worth it.
I love it, it sews like a dream. I took it on vacation recently and it was absolutely marvelous. Plus my main machine is a Janome so now my machines can share bobbins and some of the feet.
It's a full-size machine but only weighs 12 pounds.
I love it, it sews like a dream. I took it on vacation recently and it was absolutely marvelous. Plus my main machine is a Janome so now my machines can share bobbins and some of the feet.
It's a full-size machine but only weighs 12 pounds.
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