Christine-

If you have a Costco nearby, they sell a Brother machine that is PERFECT for a quilter. It's only $180 too! It has needle/up down, a bobbin you don't need to bring the thread up to the top (Faaaaabulous time saver), 140 decorative stitches and it only weighs 10 lbs. I bought this at Christmas time to carry to classes, etc.

Christine
http://www.quiltdasher.blogspot.com/

quiltingeileen

Friends of mine have the Janome Gem and love it! I own 2 other Janomes and really like their products. They are very reliable machines.

Rose_P

Yes, I definitely want to second (third, fourth) this!

If you are considering a vintage machine, all the more so. I love my Featherweight, but would caution anyone who does not know how to sew about possible pitfalls in buying any used machine - no matter how wonderful and popular the model might be. Many people have the idea that if the motor runs and the needle bar goes up and down it works, and this is just not necessarily so.

Also, I have seen a very early Featherweight in a local antique shop with a $750 price tag. I'm not an expert to know if that machine might possibly be special enough to merit that price, but I know I wouldn't be buying it. A lot of the people who sell old machines have no idea what is or isn't a reasonable price for one. You'd have to at least do a lot of research on eBay (already sold listings) to figure out what should come with it and what the going price should be. You might strike gold, but there's a good chance you could make a mistake. Your wife just might enjoy doing that research and hunting for her own treasured vintage machine.

Even the best machine on eBay or some other site could arrive damaged if the seller doesn't know enough or care enough to pack it properly, so you'd have to spend time reading through the feedback to see if other people have had any experiences with the seller's management of that aspect of the sale, and remember that packing up a china platter well wouldn't necessarily mean the person would understand what could happen to a sturdy little sewing machine in a big box.

You're a gem for wanting to please your wife with this gift. Remember it's the thought that counts - much more than a surprise, IMO!

vickig626

My neighbor (and quilting buddy) also has this machine and absolutely LOVES it !! It does anything the bigger machines do and would make a great backup for when her big machine is in the shop for cleaning, etc. I would love this machine for myself. On a separate note, I bought a very basic and light machine that only does straight and zigzag stitch and wish I hadn't because now I'm limited to what I can do for retreats or classes.

If she likes her Janome, definitely consider the Gem. Talk to the local dealer for their suggestions too just don't let them talk you into a fancier machine than she needs.

vickig626

ok, I take back what I just posted after reading this post.....

Go to the local Janome dealer and get her a gift certificate so she can pick out what she wants. Since she already has a Janome, having another machine by the same manufacturer, there's no having to buy a new set of presser feet and a shortened learning curve since most machines within a brand work basically the same.

And I agree that you are a wonderful hubby for doing this for your wife. My hubby is very supportive of my expensive hobby and that means a lot to me.

IBQUILTIN

Brother has a very nice lightweight machine right now. It only weighs about 7 lbs and is easy to transport. Not as fancy as the bigger machines, but has quite a bit of extras on it

linhawk

Janome Gem is what I used

grammy of 6

Does anyone know if either Janome or Brother has a lightweight machine that also embroiders? [don't want much, do I?]
I looked at the Brother PE 770, but it weighs 22 lbs.

skothing

Bless you. My DH have been married for 43. I just bought a 301 A Singer I have a FW 221. I can't carry the big machines. Going on retreats I carry so much that a heavy machine is over board. You might get her a roiling cart ,it helps me.

Sue Kitten

I don't know anything about machines I just want to comment on what a thoughtful gift for you to purchase for your wife. Yes you get the husband of the year award that's for sure. Great job. . And very lucky wife