cashs_mom

I wouldn't buy a new Singer machine. The new ones are really very good. I vintage Singer is awesome for piecing. I have 2 FW, a 301 (was my mom's) and a Rocketeer. Those are my primary piecing machines. I also have a Juki 2200 QVP that bought to do FMQ but I have pieced on it. It's also great for piecing, however, it is definitely not lightweight.

LilaKay

My Janome 11000se is in the shop right now and he loaned my a new Elna 680 to use...I believe they are pretty reasonable...it has a 9mm stitch width and comes with a single needle plate....I am really loving how well it sews

Feathers-N-Fur

https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/ne...200423009.aspx

straight stitch plate for Janome, including the Jem

junegerbracht

I have a small Janome to take to classes but am so tempted to buy the Eversewn 30.

Lady Diana

I would stick with Janome, since you are so used to this machine. They have a lot of "class" machines. Just think about what you need in class. Normally, lots of piecing, so I would start with needle up needle down, auto thread cutter. Happy hunting.

luvspaper

I have an Elna that is close to 20 years old (now made/owned by Janome). It was a "quilters sewing machine" at the time i got it (after the IQF in Houston). I pieced and quilted on that for 5 years prior to getting my HQ sitdown Sweet Sixteen and now just use it for piecing and binding.

If I were to get another machine just for piecing, I'd love a featherweight too.... so it's neat to read the answers and see that others agree! But they are not inexpensive!

Tothill

I have a Janome 2030 QDC that I bought as a class machine. I have a Janome MC 11000 and an old Kenmore made by Janome. I love that the accessories are interchangeable between my machines. Feet, bobbins etc, work on each machine.

incoming2me

I love my FW 221. That being said, I really hated carrying it and risking scratches, etc. I purchased this Janome 3/4 machine. https://www.sewingmachinewarehouse.c...o-kitty-11706/
It is very lightweight and sews smoothly and neatly. I loved it so much I bought one for my then 9 year old daughter. It has the same "innards" as the larger machine... it's not a toy by any stretch of the imagination. I highly recommend it!
I have a Bernina 770QE for my home machine. My husband surprised me with a Bernina 350SE Cotton & Steel for my birthday last year, so Hello Kitty is taking a sabbatical.

quiltingcandy

When I travel I usually take my little FW - it's very portable and has its own case with everything in it. But I also have a little Europro (not sure if it is even made anymore) my DH bought to for me from HSN. It's been a workhorse, and I have the trolley for it. Should it die I would definitely replace it with one of the EverSewn models. I have been admiring them at the various quilt shows and got to try it myself at the Quilt In a Day shop. Many years ago my sister bought the Brother machine at Costco - it was billed as a quilter's sewing machine because it came with the table so you have a larger surface. She has used that machine more than 20 years so I would not hesitate to buy one. (Also, if you don't like it Costco takes returns with no problems.)

edenzel

Wow, guys! This is terrific! Thanks for all your responses. I am going to do a little research following your leads and see what I come up with. Any other ideas are welcome.