I don't know anything about the subject, but subscribe to Consumer Reports, who test these type of things. They list as the Best Buy the Brother Innov-is 40 Project Runway Limited Edition. Not cheap at $400, but way cheaper than all the others. I never knew they got so expensive. One is $5700. WHEW!!

Thanks for your response Fred.

Best Buy the Brother Innov-is 40 Project Runway Limited Edition. Not cheap at $400, but way cheaper than all the others. I never knew they got so expensive. This price range is what I was seeing at the store yesterday. When I go back to the store I'll check this model closer. Apparently I'll be able to "trade in" my older Singer.

One is $5700. WHEW!! Yep....this is out of my price range...YIKES

My wife's machine is an Ellure Baby Lock. We carry it in MH along with a small serger. We are extended travelers, so to leave it at home is a waste money. Don't know what the model is, but it's electronic and does most everything but change oil on the rig. My wife got it on a huge discount sale, but I think it still should change oil!!

It's not cumbersome. The case has a handle. When used it sets on a 5' folding table we store under the bed. She keeps some piece-good material, but if she needs to make something specific then we just go out and buy the material. We sell some of the items she makes if it's convenient to do so.

I'd suspect this is something like tools for the man. One buys what they can afford and has space for.

My suggestion would be to stop by a reputable sewing machine dealer (not a big box store) and ask for some suggestions. Bernina, Viking and Janome make some of the best machines right now (in my opinion) and I believe all have some smaller units that might fit your needs. My daughter purchased a small Janome for around $400 that would make a great machine for an RV. If you want to do embroidery and general sewing, there are some great machines out there now that do both. Have fun shopping and Good luck!

As was mentioned before, I think you should get a machine that fits your needs and likes.  I have a lot of sewing RV friends that wouldn't be caught without their $7000 Janomes...it all depends on what you do and how much of it you do.  My daughter "borrowed" my trusty Singer just before we hit the road, so I went and bought an "inexpensive" Elna that would do the basic stuff I do on the road.  I've gotten a lot of use out of it at times....made lots of clothes for the granddaughters for a while and did some craft projects and sent them off in the mail....but at other times its been in the storage bay for months at a time...glad I didn't spend a lot of money for it!   Will be taking a quilting class next month....may want a new Janome for Christmas!!??

I have a Janome that I've had for about 15 years, and it still looks and sews like new. I love it. It's portable so I plan to take it with me when we go on the road. I also have a Baby Lock that I have never used, had it for several years, will probably sell it.

I have 3 Pfaff machines -- 1 does embroidery in addition to basic sewing, 1 has alot more stitches and does a better job machine quilting, and the 3rd is a serger. I know at least 2 of the 3 will go on the road with me. Just have to decide whether quilting or embroidery is more important... Or who knows, maybe all 3 will make the trip! I hadn't heard Pfaff mentioned yet and just had to say that I LOVE my machines! None of them were cheap, but they were all well worth the money in my opinion.

I've appreciated very much those who have posted re what sewing machine they have and are either on the road or plan to be on the road. Those mention...that are now on my shopping checklist are:
Jarome, Baby Lock, Pfaff, Viking, Bernina.....Since my budget is $500 or less some of the above may not cut it! This purchase may be a "Christmas present", but will be purchased early 2011. I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile keep those posts coming in. Love to hear what feature(s) you love most about the machine you use. What project(s) you are doing....especially ones done on the road. ((Hugs)) ~Tricia

nwlambear wrote:

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Jarome, Baby Lock, Pfaff, Viking, Bernina.....Since my budget is $500 or less some of the above may not cut it!

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I'm a man who thinks an expensive sewing machine should change oil in the RV, but I'm also frugal.

I am wondering if spending a few buck mores and getting a 'used' machine would be an option?

 

 Tricia
 DW has 3 machines that will be in the RV,somewhere .
 #1 Viking I can't say what we payed for it, but they threw in a Baby lock Serger. Which we sold to help pay for the Viking. Also a White Super Lock Serger and Juki industrial.
 I made a colapsable sewing table for the smaller machines, now to fit that Juki in the basement compartment.

  Wayne

Wayne--Thanks for responding. Sounds like your wife will have everything she'll need to sew on trips. I think the Viking is probably expensive and out of my budget. Haven't gotten over to the store again yet. But, I'll have my list of suggestions from you nice people online when I do. Thanks for the info

-- Edited by nwlambear on Thursday 14th of October 2010 10:54:14 AM

Carol--Which of your Pfaff sewing machine has more stitches and does a better job quilting? ~Tricia

-- Edited by nwlambear on Thursday 14th of October 2010 10:58:07 AM

nwlambear wrote:

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Carol--Which of your Pfaff sewing machine has more stitches and does a better job quilting? ~Tricia

-- Edited by nwlambear on Thursday 14th of October 2010 10:58:07 AM

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Hi Tricia,  Currently over in Arkansas with my Darling Dearest.  Will check model numbers when I get home this weekend and let you know.  The machine with the quilting foot and more stitches is over 10 years old so you might be able to find a used one out there for a lot less than I paid for it!

 

Carol - Thanks......sounds good. ~Tricia

Tricia, The Pfaff Creative 7550 has a ton of stitches and a built in quilting foot. It is probably 15 years old now so you might be able to get a really good deal on one. The built in quilting foot not only does a great job with quiliting, but it also is great for sewing any fabrics that tend to shift as you sew -- velvets, cordaroy, satiny things. Look forward to hearing what you end up with! Carol

check out www.allbrands.com once you have narrowed you choices you can save a lot of $$ purchasing on line. I purchased my basic Simplicity machine online 15 years ago and it still works great! Susan