I have been trying to figure out what type of sewing machine to send my daughter off to college with -- one that is smaller in size, reasonably well-built, and will do the basics. Her current machine evidently is fussy and she doesn't want to take it with her. I have been thinking about getting a Janome Gem Silver because it's small, lightweight, and gets good reviews, but I was not totally happy about it. I asked her if she wanted to take my Featherweight to school, and she really didn't want to take it because she was afraid of using it because it's worth money.
Early this week an acquaintance of mine from my children's school posted a note on the school mailing list that she was getting rid of all sorts of stuff including an "Old Elna sewing machine, works well." So I went to look at it today and came home with an Elna Grasshopper (Supernova?) without the carrying case, with the knee pedal converted to a foot pedal, with all the cams, and with one bobbin which is great because I will know what size to get. It is in great shape and is clean as a whistle.
Now I have to find a soft-sided carrying case for her to keep it in. I'm not going to tell her about it -- just ship it off to her at school after she leaves.
I am just so tickled pink (tickled green? LOL), and I know my daughter will be glad to have a good machine to use at college.
WOOHOOIE!!!!!!!!!!