crt

I have a small Brother--I can't think of the model off the top of my head, but it has the embroidery module, and I love it. I got it because it's so small and lightweight just to take to class, but I use it all of the time at home, too. My bigger Brother is great, but weighs a ton. My little one has the auto thread cutter, which I love, and I know it saves me a LOT of thread.

BellaBoo

The portable Kenmore is the best option for the price. I bought DGD a Hello Kitty 3/4 size machine by Janome and it sews great and so darn cute. Two guild members use the Hello Kitty 3/4 size to bring to classes. The Hello Kitty 1/2 size is considered a toy machine.

nellybelle

I have been watching this message, as I would like something I can take to my daughter's to make something for granddaughter. And it is light!!

Honey

I also have a small Brother that is very light and easy to cart with me. I use it when I go to my quilt group.

Holice

I'm not sure I would go or one of those you describe.
Try for a Bernina Nova 900. There is one on ebay for $51.00 It is a great machine and very portable and Bernina quality, and in demand now. They no longer make these. There is also a small Kenmore made in the mid 70s that is also a good machine and portable.
Also, is there a dealer in your area who sells used machines.
If so, give a call and tell them what you are looking for.

Annaquilts

I don't know those but we all really like the Janome gem gold or silver and there is a platinum too. We have the one that came with a cary case, small table, walking foot, free motion foot and 1/4 inch foot.

May in Jersey

Only problem I ever had with my Jen Gold was when I ran out of bobbin thread and had to put a full bobbin into the machine, I couldn't seem to get the thread in the right place. That is until a friend told me to loop my thread in a J (J for Jem) and I'd thread the machine correctly and be off sewing in a flash. It really worked for me.

Katydid2

I have the Janome Jem Platinum - love it and so does my daughter. As someone else suggested, contacting a LQS for used machines is a teriffic resource. Most of them will have been checked out and you will probably get a better machine for the money.

montanajan

I have a Babylock 9, from LQS and it has been working well for 2 years now as a take-along machine. I just could not afford the Featherweights I've seen.
Good luck with your search.

Glassquilt

Find out if it can be repaired. Some of the less expensive machines aren't fixable.