I had an Activa 240 and it weighed closed to 25 pounds! I traded it in on a Babylock Symphony.
I also have a Babylock Audrey and cannot say enough good things about it. It weighs 12 pounds, has needle down for pivoting, about 30 stitches, comes in it's own little carry case and even comes with a little extension table. I have used it for classes, and at home, and find it to be a very solid little machine. I think they run around $300 now.

I bought the Target Janome Hello Kitty machine for my daughter-in-law who was a beginner and it's a good little portable machine and fits easily in a rolling scrapbook case. I had in mind it could be handed down to my grand-daughter when she wants to learn to sew. Just think about some of the small ones only do 3 sizes of straight stitch and no tight zig-zag for applique.

Target also carries small machines, less than $100 for a few.

No. Different manufacturers will give you a different 1/4" foot and ultimately many people struggle getting a 1/4" that matches consistently. So, many people opt to keep a project on one machine. Yes, of course it's up to the sewer to get the 1/4" or scant 1/4", but this can be tricky with multiple machines. Especially if you have a travel machine where you can't move the needle over a notch to the right or left(or two).

Do not try the new Singer Feather Weight. It is cheaply made of plastic with a lot of little plastic hinges that I was affraid would break off. I understand Singer has been sold and with it its quality. I returned my after a couple of days.

The Brother SQ 9000 is good and lightweight. It will sew without the foot with the push of a button. Sturdy, quiet and sews well.

Here's a cutie:

11 lbs and comes with the 1/4 inch foot. Free shipping and 129.00

http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/janome-3125.php

I have two very expensive embroidery/quilting machines, but they sometimes get cranky. However, the machine I bought at WalMart for $80 seven years ago runs great. Besides which, if I'm not travelling with it I use it like a Sidewinder. It's not much more expensive than the $35 Sidewinder, performs the same function, and it sews too.

Janome had the best machine. 12Lbs. Comes with an extension table and the 1/4 in foot and best of all it has a thread cutter. Just the best of everything for taking with you to quilt classes. It is the 3160

I'm curious...Why don't you just get a Featherweight?

Same here - the Brother 400 is small enough for travel (and classes) and has the additional benefit of an embroidery unit to snap on. I have the 350 and it works great instead of lugging my Pfaff around.

Same here - the Brother 400 is small enough for travel (and classes) and has the additional benefit of an embroidery unit to snap on. I have the 350 and it works great instead of lugging my Pfaff around.

When I travel, I make sure to take the 1/4" foot that I have been working with. Most feet are snap-ons & that way you always have the same 1/4" seams.

I have the Brother CS6000i and I love it! It is great for piecing blocks and have it with me now at a hotel. It is quiet and have had no issues at all.

If you are looking for a great computerized machine for quilting, the Janome 3160 is terrific! It has the automatic thread cutter, which is my main stay when piecing. It only weighs 12.5lbs. I take it to all of my classes. Go to the Janome website and do a comparison on this one and the Jem machine....this will give you the features side by side so you can choose.
D in TX

I was given a Brother 70-stitch model, and though I was initially skeptical, I love it! I have to tote it from the attic to the first floor once a week, and it feels like a feather - about 11 pounds.

I don't know if most feet are snap ons, because mine aren't. LOL. My Bernina feet do not work on my Janome machine and vice versa. But, it is a good idea to buy a travel machine that is the same brand as your main machine so the feet will be standard.

Singer has one. I just checked on HSN.com and it is on sale for $349. It even refers to the original featherweights. Check it out at HSN.com, click on craft, sewing supplies, sewing machines. Take care.
Linda

Seeing that you could get a Featherweight or a 301 for about $250 or less, why not just get one of those? If you are looking at high end (Janome, Bernina) machines, they are going to cost at least that much. And they come with lots of "baggage", like extension tables, etc. The Featherweight 221 or a 301 are so simple, and you just put them in a tote and off you go.

Here is the Jem Platinum 760: http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/...ecialty/Jem760

They made 3 versions of the Jem: Silver (the lowest model), Gold and Platinum (the best model). The Platinum sold for $499 for years and before the new one came out last year, the price dropped to $439. Once the new one came out in May, lots of people traded in their Platinum for the new 3160. I would think you can pick up a used Platinum for around $300 these days.

Here's a comparison of the Platinum, the 3160 and the Gold:
http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/...sh//Comparison

I was lugging my Bernina 440 to class when I discovered the Bernina 210. Basic machine, much lighter, and much less expensive. Best of all, the feet for the 440 and the 210 are interchangeable. My Bernina 210 is my traveling and go to class machine. I love it!

WalMart sells the Singer machine for $79 and it lightweight and has some of the zig zag stitches even! Perfect for those road trip/stay in small places/hotels....

Even singer ha come out with a Featherweight 2. If this is a machine to be ported here and there and may get a bit roughed up don't blow the bank on an expensive one. New machines are not made to last. Hancock fabrics has a 3/4 Janome for under 70.00 Wouldn't waist money on the Walmart brands unless you know you will be throwing it away. One of the problems we regualarliy see with the newer models is poor stitch quality even with drastic tension adjustments. We work with used and vintage machines and almost always feel as sense of loss over the decline in quality even by the leading brands when we handle newer machines. Think too about where you're traveling and how much you'd be out if it got stolen or broken.

Have you checked out any of the Brothers models that sell for under $200 at Walmart or online with free shipping from Ken's. They weigh 8 lbs or less, certainly portable and work great. Good Luck :thumbup:

I have the Janome mini and used it to travel with. Light enough to carry on a plane. Did need to compete the top on it seems the 1/4 inch was just a little off. But again that's a small problem and easy to take care of.

Ruby the Quilter

Definately the Janome Jem!!! They are little workhorses, too!! Get one -- you'll LOVE it!!!! :thumbup: :thumbup:

I got a little Brother machine. I purchased it specifically for it's portability. It weighs about 12 pounds, has about 60 stitches and a 1/4" foot. It was under $150, found it on the internet.
good luck!

The Janome Gem is wonderful...I own one....the Platinum model.

This is EXACTLY what I have done! :thumbup:

I have the Janome Gem Gold that I bought for classes, etc. I like it so much, though, that I often sew at home with it instead of my Bernina! Just a great little machine - 11 lbs or so.

None of the new machines will equal the true Featherweight. They had all metal parts and are a very simple straight stitch only machine. NO plastic. The new ones are meant to be disposable and have lots of plastic and electronics. There are a number of smaller lighter weight machines from many different companies and would be suitable for travel. I would check out ebay to see what is available for a reasonable price if you don't want to pay for a Featherweight or if you need the zigzag and embellishment stitches.

I have read all the posts on suggestions to you. Years ago there were a lot of featherweights. Some have been lightly used and put out to pasture. Considering the cost of some of the newer featherweights and if you travel by plane, you might want to see if you can get a good used mature machine that if lost would not break the bank. It was just a thought, depending on how you travel and what you can afford to buy.

Carol from NC

I love the Singer 301! I also have the Janome Jem Platinum which is an awesome machine to travel with! Both very afforable.

Check out Amazon for the Brother CS6000i, 16 pounds. I and three of my friends sew once a week at a local church, making quilts for kids. All of us have this machine and they travel well in a serger bag, then you have extra room for supplies.

My Featherweight is too precious to travel with, it is the first electric machine I sewed on.

Brother CS6000i Sew Advance Sew Affordable 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine
by Brother.
Price: $164.00 Free Shipping

Sure, the Janome Gem, the Babylock Audrey and Grace to name a few. I have had the Janome and now own a Grace. Both awesome little machines. I do a lot of retreats and sew at my circles so I need a machine that is light weight and not cumbersome. Also we travel a lot and it takes up no space in the trunk.

I can recommend a few good machines: Janome Jem (the older mechanical one was my fave), the smaller, lightweight Brother machines (I have one and I'm very impressed with it), and the Babylock Sofia2. All are quality lightweight machines.

If you prefer vintage, then I second Numa regarding the Singer 301. I have one, and it sews a great stitch. Honestly, I never take it out of the house though. I love looking at it in it's special place in my sewing room too much to move it.