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I know this is usually answered with "it depends", but I'm going to throw this out anyway:

My DGD in New York City would love to have a SMALL reliable sewing machine. I am thrilled at the thought of making this happen for her. She is into CosPlay and although right now she can use the machines in the Juilliard costume shop, she would really like to have one in her apartment. She loves my Singer 401As, (it's so cool that she brags to her friends about those machines!) but DD thinks they are too large, and I don't relish the thought of shipping one across the country.

So, here is my question:

Are there any small, lightweight new/modern machines which are reliable? Any which hold tension, don't have fits if two layers of denim pass under the presser foot, don't break down if you look at them cross-eyed?

I would really appreciate feedback, with recommended manufacturer and model. I haven't settled on a budget yet, probably under $500.00. I have searched Costco in NYC, which would be really handy for her, and they have several models, I thought about using craigslist, but in addition to the risk factor, I am not sure how she would retrieve one, and I don't think a used machine is an option.

I need real advice, from real sewists, on which machines are not going to give her trouble.

Thanks for any help,

Reply to
BEI Design
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This is not the answer you are looking for but I have seen

no clue how reliable it is but if memory serves me correctly it's a Janome.

Reply to
ItsJoanNotJoann

Thanks, I see she lists two machines by "American Home", each is a little smaller than my 401As, so that's good, but I cannot find any reviews.

Reply to
BEI Design

As I know Bo-Diddley about the modern sewing machines - "small and light weight" would seem to imply light duty - to me. .. I'd love to be corrected ! < as would you > I would also wonder about accessories, parts, service - if it is a particularly unusual / unique model .. My wife's modern Janome looks a bit bigger than my old Elna but weighs less - neither takes up much space. I really can't imagine using a significantly smaller machine. ... especially with my 10 thumbs :-) John T.

Reply to
hubops

To me, as well. I doubt DGD will be thrilled with a light weight machine, especially after learning to sew on (and loving) my full-sized 401As. She has limited space, so she wants small, but she is not likely to love anything small, as the arm will be so short.

True, that! ;-D

Yes, that is also my concern. As well, she has limited transportation options for lugging a machine to a shop.

I measured my machine, it is 17.5 inches long. I am not finding anything a great deal shorter than that which I would consider. "Hello Kitty" does not make the cut...

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I may have to talk her out of "small":

Reply to
BEI Design

Just what I would have said. ;-) If the machine is light, it means that a lot of (important) parts are made of plastic which doesn't go well with longevity, little maintenance and hard work in thick fabrics. At least that's my 2 c. I guess, if she wants a machine, she'll have to think of one other item that has to make room for it and go. If you go for less than quality, you both would hate the whole business, you with a sort of guilty mind and she thinking what c... her grandma gave her.

U.

Reply to
Ursula Schrader

Well small is relative, most of the newer machines I see are smaller than the old ones which makes it difficult for me to put needles in and thread them, (big Hands). That said I have pretty good luck with these.

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They are all 3/4 size machines

Reply to
Ron Anderson

There ya go ! The only Juki s I have seen are industrial machines. John T.

Reply to
hubops

Ron, you are a treasure!!! I'll contact you off-group to inquire about shipping to NYC, and adding some extras (bobbins, needles, etc.) but the little Juki HZL-27ZJuki HZL-27Z Juki HZL-27Z Juki HZL-27Z appears to fill the bill. Thank you so much, I really appreciate your input.

Reply to
BEI Design

I'm taking a serious look at one of the ones Ron just linked to.

Juki! Small! Light weight! ;-)

Reply to
BEI Design

DGD is very impressed with the industrial Jukis at the costume shops. Since she really wants a machine in her apartment, the first one Ron linked to may just work. Happy dance!

Reply to
BEI Design

Sorry for the stutter... ;-} I blame Ctrl-V

:-}

Reply to
BEI Design

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