crafty pat

I have a Brother I bought from Walmart that has all the feet and things used in quilting. I bought it as a back up but have started using it a lot and like it very much.

FroggyinTexas

Featherweights cost too much for most of us to buy comfortably. What's more, I think their throats are too small to piece anything very large. Go to a dealer and ask about trade-ins or if you want new go to Wal Mart and buy a Brother. Those are good machines, lightweight, as reliable as anything else you are likely to buy for a second machine. My Janome 4600, now more than 15 years old, goes everywhere with me, but if I needed a second machine I would be on my way to Wal Mart right now. froggyintexas

oldtisme

dakotamaid, I have the same one as you bought at an Estate Sale so not sure how much it was used before me but since I got it, it has been my go to for piecing & has me saving for a Janome 6600.

Morag

I have both of those machines and take them to retreats and classes interchangeably!
Love my vintage machines.....

wraez

Costco has an online offer now for a brother xr1355 with extension table for $135, I'm going to get one myself for the same reasons as you are, my Janome 6500 is so darn heavy, fits into my sewing table so it is an effort to remove it and then taking it downstairs, and upstairs is no fun, going to class even more so.

http://www.costco.com/Brother%E2%84%...100039845.html

zkosh

I just bought the Pfaff Passport for a travel machine. I think that it will be just what I need and it has IDT and the feet interchange with my Pfaff 2144.

KyKaren1949

If you do straight stitching only, a Featherweight is wonderful because it fits into a small crate along with all the "stuff" you need to haul to a workshop. If you might need a blanket stitch for applique, then I'd check out Janome's less expensive models. Several have mentioned the Gem, which is a great secondary machine.

Karamarie

Thank you all for your suggestions - I'm going to check around and see what I can find. I know I have a couple of sister-in-laws that bought Berninas about 50 years ago that they don't use and never really did use much - I'll check with them. I'd love a Singer Featherweight but don't think I want to spend that much. I can't believe all you gals with numerous sewing machine - but why not? The only machine I have is a new Janome 6600 and it does everything I want but is heavy - but I agree with the gal who said she doesn't get much sewing done at guild anyway. Now I usually take along some quilt to bind or some other hand sewing. I also do all my own quilting on my Janome - no matter what size the quilt. Thanks for all your replies and if I find a #2 machine, I'll definitely let you know.

Donnamarie

I purchased a Janome Gem to take to workshops and like it. It is fairly new (to me), I bought it secondhand but I know several women who have them and just love them. I sew on a Bernina but couldn't justify buying another to use a couple of times a year. Happy with my Janome Gem purchase.