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I am considering a purchase of one of those mini, but NOT toy, sewing machines. I followed with interest a discussion on a machine that many had found on sale for about $50. I can't find the thread now, and don't remember where deals were found. I found this at Hancocks, but thought the regular price was higher.
http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Janome--quot-Sew-Mini--Se...542443VVviewprod.htm

I'd appreciate any help you could offer.
Thanks
~karen

Watch for the Christmas sales...they'll be cheaper. Hanc0ck's had them for $39.99 around Labor day.

sears used to sell this small blue machine.i think walmarts may have it now, but it is a good little machine..heavy for it's size. we have one we keep in our sewing class for anyone to use. i go there tomorrow, so i can check onthe name of it for you.
it retails for $99, and goes on sale for $59.00.
i am a big fan of janome, but not to sure of the machine your referring too. you can try
www.patternreview.com
and look that machine up for opinions.
and truthfull, if you could save for a janome jem gold, you would be much happier.. i think they run under $200.00
maybe able to find one used in a sew and vac shop. it is a great running, hard working machine.

also check to see what hancocks return policy is..they may take it back or it's may have to be sent back to the company that makes it.

good luck !

i just went to pattern review, the 3 reviews were good, for what it was.it sewed just fine.

the cons: no sewing light/can't change feet/slow motor.

Hmm, I'd wouldn't have thought a machine would be made without a light. Thanks for that note. I'd thought the Jems ran about $250 the last I looked. Under 200 would be worth considering. I have a couple old vikings that were a bargain, but they are heavy and cumbersome to move around much.
Kim, is the Jem the machine you take on the road?
~karen

oh yes, it goes with me in the 5th wheel when we go on vacation! i love it! i have the platinum, it was closer to 500 i think. my DH bought me a "sew easy" sewing table for it, off nancy's notions for my birthday last year, we keep that in the trailer also, folds up flat.
i also take it to classes, or group get togethers, they only weigh 12 pounds, but i swear it is a work horse.
really, see if you have a sew and vac shop in your area, you may be able to pick up one that was traded in. maybe they will take a "lay-a-way". times are tough, i think you may be able to get a deal.
the main difference betewwn the gold and the platinum is, the platinum has the needle up/down feature. and the amount of stitches. which i only use, about 10 of them, when i want to wrok on some fancy stitches on the binding..( i don't hand sew) thats about it. the lighting can be worked around, with a small lamp..but the "feet" issue, is just worth it to me.
if you can't change the feet on the one your looking at, then you won't have a 1/4" foot. IMHO it is a must have item.

there are a few site that buy and sell sewing and fabric items only. i sold my janome 350E on one..no problems.
i will will see if i have the link to the one, you can always post that you were looking for a used machine. also, i think the janome message board has a sellers listing..i think.

you may do better with a machine from walmarts or some place like that. i think if you search the archives here, you will see what other have recommended or have..starter machines.

i will PM you with the sewing sites, when i find them..

I got my Jem Gold on Ebay for 199.00 free shipping. I use it more than my Janome 1100. It is the perfect size to take to classes.

i have two friends that have the "new home" by janome..i think those run around $150.00. they stipple on them with no problem either.

the first machine i ever bought was on QVC, it was a janome. i think it was a machine that was discontinued. it still runs great, i leave it at quilt group, so other that can't bring thier machine, have something to sew on.

I bought the Janome Sewist 509 for $179. Loved it and my friend bought one for herself and one for my DD who got married in March.

Then on a quilt shop hop this summer, I found the same model on sale at a lqs for $99. (they were making room for newer models). My friend bought one for my DD who got married in Oct. and I bought 2 more- 1 for my oldest DD and a second one for me to have so that I can have classes here in my home.

I have always been thrilled with it's performance. It's about 12 lbs. and the tensions are always perfect no matter what I sew!

pat

thanks for jumping in pat..she needs to hear from other owners of the smaller machines...

Just stopping to say thanks, and ttt. I've been doing research at Pattern Review. My time on here will be limited for the next couple of days, and I'm leaving now.
Thanks for all input so far, and when I get back, maybe I'll have had a chance to look at some machines. Don't know if shop nearby has janomes. Not set on that brand, but it seemed people had been very pleased. Toy machine size and price, but surprising good function.
~karen

I have a Janome Gem Platinum machine and really love it. It weights about 12 pounds and is a great machine to take to classes and retreats yet has the functions of the higher priced and bigger machines. I couldn't imagine working on a machine without a light or having the option for additional feet so would look at several options for small machines. Jamone has a new line of little machines named Magnolia. I think they are less expensive than the Gems.

Good luck in your quest.

Here is a Janome, made for Sears small portable that would be great for traveling with.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kenmore-Mini-Ultra-Baby-Blue-Sewing...C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Just be certain you know what the service and warranty conditions are when buying from someone other than a sewing machine shop. I bought a Janome Harmony 8048 at the local Hancocks store during its "going out of business" sale. It worked fine part of the time and part of the time sounded like it was coming apart. Long story short, since I didn't buy the machine from the local service centers, nobody would work on it unless I paid them directly for all labor (parts would have been covered). Only way to get full warranty serice was to send it back to the factory -- which I did. They were wonderful to work with, turn around was quick and now it sews beautifully, but I had to pay for the shipping both directions. Good luck.

that the one we use at quilt group martha..i checked on wednesday, but forgot to post..