I just looked at the Ever Sewn Sparrows -- neat looking machines. But I still think you can't go wrong with the Brother CS6000i -- $159.00 at Amazon, 60 stitches and comes with a nice sized attachable table. I've had mine for 5 years and have sewn on it several times a week during that time, sometimes several hours a day for days on end. Love it!
BTW, I'm a Janome person, but the Gem just didn't do it for me as it was too stripped down for twice the price.

I wouldn't go out and buy a portable machine until you are sure you like sewing with other people, and plan to do more of it. Go to the meeting with your big machine the first time and just check it out.

For my portable I have a Singer 301 that I got at an estate sale for $50.

I also like my Janome platinum Gem. It only weighs 12 pounds versus 48 pounds for my big Janome 1000. I'm going to take it to my retreat next week as its so handy I can lift it myself.

JANOME 3160 OR 4220......AUTO THREAD CUTTER is a plus....light weight to.

My friends all swear by Janome, and they love the Janome Gems.

I've noticed a lot of Sparrow 25 Eversewn machines at classes and retreats. Everyone that had one loved it.

Thanks Rob. I do like Brother machines. Sounds like the PC420PRW has the basics that I want--auto needle threader, needle up/down and knee lift. I'll check it out.

Sharon

Thanks for the good advice! This guild is a meeting and sewing group that meets once a month. The "homework" for the April meeting is to have hourglass blocks ready to make Disappearing Hourglass blocks at the meeting. I'm not sure I'll like working with a large group, but I'm going to give it a chance--like you said, I'll go with an open mind.

There's a new, small machine out that's under $500 that has lots of decorative stitches. It would be perfect to take to class. The mechanism is all metal, so I was told. There are 3 models at 3 different prices, so something would fit your budget. Made by Bernina. Since I'm not in the market for a machine, I didn't note the name. These were sold by independent quilt shops that were not dealers in other machines.

So SharonPye, did you make a choice yet? Let us know what you chose .....