Skeat

That is a good one! Small but, very mighty:)If your pocketbook can't handle the price, go check out the 3200....mine fits in the kid's scrapbook bag w/wheels perfect. Both are great machines-Skeat

May in Jersey

Hi Butterflywing, Another thing we have in common, I have a Janome Gem too. Got it recently but haven't have the time to really get to know it. Think it will be ideal for classes, workshops and DGD Josi to use when she visits. I have 8 DGDs but she's the only one who is really interested in sewing. May in Jersey

mic-pa

I have a Janome 3500 and love it. Also bought a bag on wheels from Joann's to carry it in. My embrodery machine is too heavy and like you, I don't want to damage it by taking it out of the house. Marge

Minda

I have the Janome Platinum Gem and the Bernina Activa 230. They are both great machines.

Linda - K.

I have a featherweight and love it. Just a great size and weight. My friend has the Janome Gem and if I didn't have the featherweight I would get one of these. She just loves it for traveling. Her larger Bernina stays home as it is just too heavy for her. I also have a Viking Quilt Designer that I tried to take to classes but it got to be too much to take around and was afraid I would wreck it.

Icandothat

I appreciate all the advice. I plan to get out there and test drive a few.

mar32428

I have the Featherweight and a Janome Gem. I like the Gem for classes. Haven't thot about taking the Featherweight. Went to a quilt show recently and saw at least six vendors using the FW'S.

Granny B

I have a Bernina 930 and a Viking Designer One which are so heavy, so I went to Wal Mart and bought an inexpensive Brother machine. I think I paid either $119 or $129 for it and it's lightweight (about 10#). But when I took it to class, it really was loud when I sewed. The other girls (I use that term lightly) really teased me about it. It was a good laugh for all of us. Now I just pack up the Bernina which I dearly love when I take a class..

alaquilter

I bought a Janome 760 Platinum GEM several years ago when I retired that I take for classes and retreats and love it. It's only 12 lbs--has 60 stitches and is a real workhorse.
I believe that Janome has come out with a newer model that several of my friends use for all classes and retreats & they have had no problems.
My Viking dealer told me once that the larger electronic sewing machines are not made to be moved and carried alot.

Good luck on your decision.

Conartist1945

I'm with Deedum. I LOVE my Janome Jem Platinum for classes.