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/

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

Janome Gem is what I used

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.

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.

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. :o. And very lucky wife

A Brother SQ 9000 or the SQ9050 are both lightweight. The price is very reasonable too, I have seen them for less than 200 dollars on Amazon.

The PE770 is strictly embroidery only.

I found these two which do both sewing/ embroidery
Brother SE400
Brother LB6800PRW

Just to add a couple of ideas--I just went to the QuiltCon show here in Austin and although I don't need a new machine, I love looking at them at the shows. I've always been impressed by the light weight of the Janome Gem machines and they look very sturdy and capable for a small lightweight machine. I do own a Featherweight that I don't use (inherited from my grandmother) which to me seems extremely heavy for its small size in terms of taking it from place to place.

For your wife's gift, I'd be sure to check Amazon for the best prices from online stores. Though it's nice to buy a machine from a local dealership in terms of future service, you really can get the best deals online. Be sure to get a machine with an automatic threader, whichever one you choose!

What a wonderful husband you are!

I bought a Janome gem just for that purpose ..it is really a good little workhorse...
You get a gold star ...husband of the year....

I don't know where you are down the Cape but, if you can, go to Murray's Fabric in Orleans right across the street from the Christmas tree shop. They sell Janome's. My vote would be for the 3160. The Gem Gold is a great machine just a little to basic.

My husband surprised my with my first Janome 30 years ago. I loved it and still do. I woul much rather opening the new machine than a gift card. Make her birthday a great day with the new machine.

I have a Brother SQ9000, which I got from Wal*Mart. It weighs about 10 lbs. I had the very same problem- can't carry anything heavy and there's no way to carry my Bernina, plus I wouldn't want it to be knocked around. The Brother does just fine and costs about $200.

I would recommend calling Ann's Fabrics in Canton Ma. 781-828-2201 she has been in the sewing/quilting/machine sales for over 30 yrs. and her staff would be very helpful in guiding your selection. They carry several different brands and have certified technicians to service them. I am not associated with this business i have bought several machines there and shop and take classes there as well, I just thought they are a good resource in the area.

What a sweet hubby this lady has. He will make her day special. She will know it too.

Thank you so much. Don't know why I thought the PE 770 was also a sewing machine!! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

I have Brother Cs 6000i that is computerized, has 60 decorative stitches, sews great and is very lightweight. I bought it at wal-mart for less than $200.00. I use it all the time at home and on occasion at quilt classes. Highly recommend it for that purpose alone.

My first gut reaction is to let her choose it. I'm so picky about my sewing equipment and its very hard for me to explain exactly what I'm looking for. Take her to the sewing machine store on her birthday and let her try to lift them and check out the various options to make sure it does everything she needs it too. Also, get a rolling sewing machine tote, that will really help with the transport.

Your wife is really lucky to have you for a husband. Make it a fantstic surprise by graciously taking her shopping for her new machine, with NO complaining about how long it takes. One silly little gizmo that she either wants on a machine, or finds out she hates, can spoil a great surprise. By the way, she probably would never let you know if she hates it.

The Janome 3160 is also 12 pounds and has the thread cutter and needle up/down that I have on my 7700. I have had both the Jem Gold and Jem Platinum as well -- I like the 3160 better but it is a bit more pricey. The 3160 has been discontinued, but you may be able to find it. I believe the Jems have also been discontinued.

Are you sure the price of $50 was for the walking foot alone or for the quilting kit (1/4" foot, walking foot, darning foot and the darning plate)? The kit runs between $50 and $60 on line.

First off... what a very loving and thoughtful husband you are!!!! Since she already has a Janome I agree go with the Janome!! I say, SUPRISE HER!!!...when you purchase simply ask if she it isn't what she wants can it be returned for another machine... What a fabulous surprise it will be for her! Go for it!!! I too am looking at the Janome Jem for classes and RVing! The price, size, functions and lightweight should all work for her beautifully!! Good luck! Hope you post again to let us know how she likes her new machine!

I have the Janome Platinum, which is just an upgraded jem 660.....I would go for the Janome Jem...I have 5 sewing machines & this is the one that travels with me...light weight, yet feels and sews like a much larger machine...think
she would love it, especially since she already owns a Janome

I love the Brothers machines that have been suggested above. I have two Brothers and I really like them. I am not a fan of Janomes. I own one. I agree that you might want to see what your wife has in mind. It is so sweet of you to ask around, but you know that sometimes we have our mind made up about something and we don't like to be disappointed.

I might be a 60 year old grandma, but that doesn't stop me from driving my brand new Mustang (with racing stripes and 6 speed manual). My grandchildren's friends think I'm a cool gramma! I dropped my 12 yo DGS off at a party. The kids wanted to know who that was in the cool car. When he told him it was his Mimi's car, they were amazed. They said their grandparents were dull. They only drove Caddies and Mercedes. I got a good laugh off of that one.

I have carefully read all the posts here, and agree with each one in one way or another. However, there was one that caught my eye, and I thought, WoW, that is so true. As a wife, I love my dear hubby as I am sure your wife loves you. The last thing I would want to do would be to say I did not like something, that I knew he had put so much time and thought into. I would honestly just sit there and tell my hubby how much I loved it, even if I did not. So while some have suggested a "hand made gift card" with a shopping trip with you to your local dealers, I think that is probably a reallly good idea. You don't even have to tell her where your going shopping, you can just say a "shopping day" and then surprise her by going to the dealer. However, or what ever you decide, let us know how it went ... we always like to hear the end of the great stories !!! FYI...and you are a great hubby !

I have the Brother CS6000i and it is a great little machine and very light. It does come with a walking foot and the only accessory I had to add was a 1/4" foot. And I love mcwillia's idea of an extra set of "traveling tools" - your wife would appreciate that, too, I'm sure. If you get the Janome gem, then your wife will have two gems - the Janome and YOU! :)

Just saw amythyst02 post when mine came up -- and she's right -- a surprise shopping trip rather than making the machine choice for her. Or you might consider purchasing the travel case for a machine (which can be returned without much hassle if it isn't the right size) and give her that with a note inside that lets her choose what to put into it.

I have a brother cs6000i just to take to classes. Mine came with the extension table and walking foot. I have two friends that have the Babylock Audrey and love them for taking to classes. Theirs came with an extension table and weighs about 12 lbs.
You are such a thoughtful hubby!

I have a Janome Platinum. (like a Gem) It's electronic and weighs 12 lbs. I bought the 720 since it's less expensive then the 760. The 760 has a bigger variety of stitches but I don't think you need a lot of stitches for classes. JoAnns has small pull cases on wheels that it will fit into.

Bernina makes a great simple machine, the 215. Look into it. It sews a great straight stitch, buttonholes, and the feed dogs drop for free motion quilting. Plus, it holds its value if you sell it.

Does she have a friend she quilts with or a quilt group you could ask if she has talked about a certain machine? They are a great source of information. One year my husband bought me a beautiful watch that I had been wanting.....little did I know he had contacted my best friend for some ideas. Love my best friend....in so many ways.

I like to be surprised with smaller items but you have to live with a machine for quite a while so I agree with the handmade gift certificate for a shopping trip. I have a janome gem 760 and love it for classes and travel.

Love my Janome Magnolia!

What a great guy! You can always get her a nice bag with wheels and plenty of pockets for her tools, etc. And yes, there's always a friendly face to lift the machine to the table for her. Quilters are some of the nicest people around!

You need to include your wife in the selection of a sewing machine ,so that she doesn't feel obligated to be happy with the machine even if she's not. She doesn't seem ungrateful to such a wonderfully, thoughtful hubby for buying her a new sewing machine. Would you want her to buy you power tool that you haven't be able to help choose?
I have both the original Singer 221 featherweight and a Janome Jem Gold 2. I prefer the featherweight for piecing quilts as its quieter and sews a better straight stitch. The Jem has 3 settings for stitch length that can't be adjusted any further, the featherweight you have total control over your stitch length.
Sharon

I love my Janome Platinum Gem. It is lightweight (12 pounds) and has a variety of stitches available. My big machine is also a Janome (6600) so all the parts and bobbins are interchangeable with both machines.