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What kind of machine do you use as your "travel" machine?
I have an older (1970s VX757) Brother small portable that I take but it is pretty heavy. It sews a beautiful straight stitch. It also does a zigzag stitch. I am trying to decide whether to invest in a rolling tote to carry the machine to and fro or buying a newer lighter weight machine.
Thank you for your input.
I have found some very inexpensive $24.99 rolling totes at Tuesday Morning. They have a better one for $35, I saw the same thing at JoAnn for much more.
I bought a Janome 3128 at Hancock for $89. It is the same machine mechanically as the cheapest Hello Kitty Janome. which I bought for my granddaughter. I had my two grandchildren sewing side by side making little charm square quilts on them. They area serviceable and inexpensive mechanical machines. I take the 3128 on costuming gigs, where I have to sew up stuff at the theatre to fit the actors, it sewed through a couple of layers of imitation leather, and my granddaughter gave it a whirl sewing through about 12 layers of fabric as she layered and layered her charm squares. I had a Janome dealer demo it to me last week, he sewed through about 6 layers of the thickest denim you could imagine. As the least expensive Janome, it is a pretty good machine.
So far, I am happy with it, as long as you follow all the rules your mother taught you about setting up the threads before you start. Make sure there is about 6" of fabric under the presser foot. And release it by turning the wheel toward you when you are finished. This machine also makes button holes and has about 10 different stitch styles.
Good luck in your decision!
Thanks coffee and asking this question and Jean for the great recommendations...I have two 9 year old gds and one 7 1/2 that I want to help start sewing on a machine...this sounds perfect...thanks again, Carol
My 8 year old grandson wasn't interested, but after his sister 15 months younger was so entranced by working on the sewing machine, he wanted to do it also. It's a good thing I had a spare!Quote:
Originally Posted by sewbizzy
Hancock has the Janome 3128 for $89 on their website, don't know if this is in store or online. Since I live 1 mile away from Hancock (I call it my fabric annex)I don't bother with online from them.
I bought a little brother lightweight machine to take to workshops etc, its so light and does several stitches, all I would need for a workshop anyway. All janome machines are heavy, I was looking at the Jem machines but my dealer advised me to try the brother. Its a great little machine once I remember that it is not my big 12000 which is back at the technitians with a tension fault just now.
I travel with a Singer Featherweight 221...lightweight and a real workhorse, :)
I've heard great things about the Janome Jem Gold. Not sure what they sell for, but many like it because it's lightweight which makes it easy to take to classes.
NOT TRUE>>>>> Janomes can be as light as 12lbs.... my Jem (older) but they still can be had.... is a workhorse... can't say enough about Janome...
Thank you for the information. I will have to decide what to do. Thanks again!
Jumping in to say I recently bought a Singer Featherweight for classes. OMG, it is soooo cute and sews a great stitch. Haven't used it for a class yet, but I have one coming up in two weeks. And I am looking forward to that (paper piecing).
I also have a Janome 6600 and love it also. Good luck on your search!!
jody
I would buy the rolling case if you really like the machine you have. The only travel machine I have is my Margaritaville machine - named Rita - who goes with me on vacation, girlfriend parties etc. - and she has her own suitecase too. My son calls the velcro strap Rita's seatbuckle................
I have the Singer Featherweight 221 and love it for travel and classes. I also have a rolling tote and I carry my tools like rulers, mat, rotary cutter. extension cords, and scrap bag. Keeps everything together and easy to transport.
I'm taking my cheapie Janome 3128 to my sister's house on Thursday, using one of my cheapie rolling cases from Tuesday morning. Hope it works out!
I have a Janome decor 3025 - I think that is the number, they dont make them any more, it came with a nice hard case which makes it handy to take to class.
Janome Jem Gold. It's a great little machine and it only weight about 12 pounds.