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light weight sewing machines

jodee | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

I am interested in purchasing a light weight machine to take to quilting classes.  I haven’t found a vintage Singer featherweight, and am wondering if anyone has any experience with new light weight models?

Replies

  1. GailAnn | | #1

    No personal experience, but I sure do think they are cute.  Gail

    1. damascusannie | | #2

      I've heard both good and bad. As always, find a reputable dealer and test drive some. You are willing to pay for a vintage Featherweight, so be ready to spend at least that much for a new machine, but don't expect to get the same quality for the dollar. There are other small vintage models. The Singer 185 is every bit as good a machine as the Featherweight, costs a LOT less and is a pretty green color.

    2. Betakin | | #5

      One of my daughters now uses my little machine for her family and it is a Janome Jem Silver that is like the little Jem Gold but the Jem Silver was made for the ASG's Silver anniversary and has the ASG emblem on the head of the machine and the little blue carry case. It is a very small machine but made to function like the big machines and was originated to take to quilt clubs and classes. It has the see through top rotary bobbin, slant spool and several built in utility stitches and makes a lovely buttonhole.

      Janome also has some computerized small machines with more stitches that are much more expensive than my mechanical Jem was. The new little Brother models are also more expensive but do appear to have nice features.

      1. GailAnn | | #6

        Wow!  I've never seen the Jem Silver..............sounds like a jewel.  Gail

      2. jodee | | #7

        Thanks for your thoughts everyone.  I have to drive quite aways to get to a dealer, but it sounds like it might be worth the effort.  My big machine is a Janome, and I have an early electric Singer in a cabinet.  It has been a leap for me to justify another machine, but I think I am ready!

  2. User avater
    Nik-ki | | #3

    I purchased a limited edition Brother machine--the Project Runway 40.  It is a nice machine that has a great stitch--40 of them.  It takes universal feet.  I take it everywhere with me.  It was only $300.  It is not feather weight, but not as heavy as my Vikings.....................

  3. mary4u | | #4

    I bought a 5 pound Janome when a fabric store was going out of business.
    Only $25 so thought that was great and if it didn't work out I could always let my granddaughter use it later. It has the basic straight, and a couple of zig-zags. I keep it at church where I work with a puppet team and use it to make costumes and props. It has been wonderful. It is noisy but the stitch is strong and even. For just basic sewing with no fancy extras it is fantastic. And it really is only 5 pounds! I've had it one year.

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