After lugging my Viking Platinum around to quilt classes I've decided I really need a lightweight machine. I can't spend more than $300 and would like to spend less if possible. Any advice?
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After lugging my Viking Platinum around to quilt classes I've decided I really need a lightweight machine. I can't spend more than $300 and would like to spend less if possible. Any advice?
Singer Featherweight. - http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/for/4005431453.html
Janome Gem.
Babylock has a lightweight machine too, can't think what the name is right now, maybe Audrey?
I wish we were neighbors. I would loan you my featherweight. I got it off e-bay a few years back. Got it for $176.00. It has all the attachments and everything. She's a gem!
Thank you, Karen. I'll look these up. At the guild "Sit and Sew" today no one could believe I lugged my full-sized Viking to the meeting. All of them had small machines. I should have walked around to see what the ladies were using but of course I didn't think of that until I got home and it was too late.Quote:
Originally Posted by K. McEuen
I looked at a couple featherweights at an antique shop (because I want one). They may be small but they sure aren't lightweight compared to today's standard home machines.
Yes, I think KY is too long of a drive for me to borrow your machine - thank you, though!Quote:
Originally Posted by RFREE
Want something Really cheap? Janome 3128, $90 at Hancock, it will do the job. You must put 6" of bobbin and needle thread under the foot to start it, and it will do fine. It does well on heavy stuff. I sewed upholstry on it. It weighs 11 pounds, plastic for sure. Yes, Featherweights must have been named in comparison to the cast iron full size heads of that era! But they are all metal. I bought a rolling cart for mine for $35 at Tuesdy Morning.
The Featherweight itself only weighs 11 pounds. That doesn't include the case though.
We don't have a Hancock store in New Hampshire that I'm aware of, but they do sell this machine on Amazon. It looks good. You must like it to recommend it. Does it zigzag?Quote:
Originally Posted by Jean Sewing Machine
I vote for the janome jem. it's $200, but has drop in bobbin, 3128 doesn't. I have the jem and it travels well, is lightweight, but really durable. I didn't notice it jumping around while I was sewing full speed.
Yes, it has 8 stitches plus buttonholer. I got it for my grandkids to sew on. Bought a Hello Kitty lowest model for the girl and the 3128 for the boy. They could both use it easily. I have another inexpensive machine, a Singer One, same as Singer 160, both were $250. I'm using these a lot to do my piecing. Got one from Amazon and one from Joann, same price. They have 24 stitches, do buttonholes, and are infinitely simple to use. If you want that price point, this might be something to consider. It isn't that heavy, I don't know the exact weight.Quote:
Originally Posted by cyndiofthevortex
Right, it has the old fashioned style mechanical vertical bobbin.Quote:
Originally Posted by Doloris
DH bought me a Brother ce5500 for a back up last year. Weighs 12 lbs. nice little machine.
Amazon.com: Brother CE-5500 Limited Edition Project Runway Computerized Sewing Machine: Home & Kitchen
Janome Gem for sure...had one until my daughters' machine broke down and gave her my Gem....she loves it...I highly recommend it!
Babylock Audrey....$299, 12.8 pounds, extension table and a bag to put it all in!! Love mine!Quote:
Originally Posted by cyndiofthevortex
I just got a BabyLock Audrey, so far it has been great. And for a lightwieght machine it comes with quite a few extras...extension table, 1/4" foot, carry case, and a very nice selection of decorative stitches and the auto needle threader is nice too.
I have a Janome Jem that I use to take to classes. Great little machine that just sails along. I would recommend it to anyone.
You guys are awesome. I now have some research to do to find the right one for me at the right price!
I got a re-manufactured Singer 7258 Stylist at Big Lots last summer. I'm using it for sit & sew...It has a metal frame but it's light enough to manage well.
Janome Gem, chica! It's my regular machine...
(Yea, I KNOW. I need a BIGGER machine.)
Amazon.com: Janome Sewing Machine Case for Jem Gold / Silver/ Gold II and More!: Arts, Crafts & Sewing
Sue, I was planning a day trip to Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville. I'll bring down my Juki F600 and let you play if you want to try it out! Mom is off on alternate Wednesdays, Mondays and Weekends, if that would work with your schedule.Quote:
Originally Posted by New York Sue
The Janime Jems are great....
Cyndi got her a machine today........check out her "it's a girl" post. :)
I have the Janome Jem and use it for classes, etc. My mini group all bought them. It is a little work horse and lightweight.
Love my Jem............I also saw that Juki has a good one about 12lbs...for take along and they are great machines..
While DH and I were out researching machines, I found a Janome Jem Gold 3 and a Babylock Anna. After comparing them both I decided I wanted the Anna. It had a few more features than the Janome and both weighed the same. Just when it came time to leave (and see if I can find it online) Jonas says, "Hey, why don't we just buy it now? It's on sale for a great price, less than the money we thought we'd spend and if you really like it, you should have it." I couldn't believe it, since money is tight around our house. We brought her home and I love her. She cost me $219 and I couldn't find it cheaper than $299 online. As Sue might say, "I'm one happy chica!"