I have a Janome 3125 that I got at the Hancocks Fabrics here. Got it for classes, camping, whatever & love it! It's only weighs around 11 lbs, uses the same bobbins as my home Janome & is a good machine, better than I even expected, so have been very happy with it. Got it on sale at the time for $89, regular price is $129, but they run them on sale alot, so watch their ads or check their website. It comes with a good warranty too, which is another plus, & at the same, I picked up a nice carrying tote for it too, for $15. Good luck! Nancy/NC..

Marti, I know that Janome machines have a great reputation for being workhorses, but allow me to put in a plug for the Brother PC 420. I've had this machine for several years and the value for the money is simply astounding. I paid 500 for mine, but on Amazon, they are only 400 now and it gets mostly 5 star reviews. For that price, you get a knee lifter, push button thread trimmer, adjustable presser foot pressure, one touch automatic needle threader that works the first time every time (and doesn't require two hands to operate), needle up down, push button stop start, a sliding speed control that can also be set to be the stitch width control. Brother has even put some really cool small details into this machine, for example there is a ridge on the top of the hand wheel so you always know when your needle is in the highest position, and the buttons you use most frequently are covered in clear acrylic so that the graphic doesn't wear off over time. It is a little heaver than the really basic machines, but that is because it has a metal frame... many of the cheaper machines (especially Brothers) have plastic veins inside for support instead of a metal frame.... that makes it lighter, but they can break over time. This machine also comes with a walking foot, free motion/embroidery foot, zipper foot, button attaching foot, button hole foot, open toe foot, regular foot, teflon foot, and a few others that I can't remember. It also monograms.... it is truly remarkable for the price. Super easy to thread and change bobbins on and you don't have to raise the bobbin thread to begin sewing. It comes with a hard plastic cover and nice carrying handle for transporting to class... I've taken it to quilting classes and to sit and sews and it was really easy to transport. It sews well and isn't picky about thread. The needle does make a "different sound" when it hits a seam, but it goes over it with no problem. Sometimes, the presser foot will push a seam the other way when I go over it, even if I've ironed it down, but if I raise the foot and allow the seam to go under the front of it, it's not a problem. I can't sing its praises loudly enough! I'll link to the Amazon page below so you can see the reviews... Here is a link that might be useful: Brother PC 420

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone has this or a similar machine and could help me. I have a janome mc3000. It was a gift but out of time/etc. I got the timing working from watching videos but i have a feed dog problem. When i got the machine there was a loose screw (maybe called a set screw) without a head, just one size from top to bottom kind of like what you have to loosen to fix the timing on either the shuttle or needle bar but this one i think had a flat head screw slot instead of a metric Allen wrench type. I dont think that matters but just encase someone is looking at their machine. I lost it before i could figure out where it went and have not played w/ the machine until recently. So i think that screw should have gone in a hole that is all the way through the shaft in the bottom that turns when the machine rotates/sews. There is a plastic piece that is on the shaft and has a spring behind it and the plastic piece looks like it would slide over the screw bc there is an indention in the plastic where the screw would be raised out of the shaft. The plastic piece looks like it guides the feed dogs into a position that is raised a bit and my guess is if that screw was there, it would hold the plastic piece in one spot and therefore hold the feed dogs in a position. The feed dogs are not working properly. They do not rise, go backwards, and then fall to push the fabric. when i press the plastic against the spring and hold it just where the screw would keep it, and rotate the machine, the feed dogs work properly. So all those things make me assume that screw went there. Now I dont really have a clear memory of the screw but i dont think it would have been long enough to come out the other side of the shaft. (shaft has a hole all the way through but the plastic part only has one indention. Could someone look at their machine and see if i have the right idea please? I see that the hardware shop has a few screws that look like the right size so i may be able to just pick one up. I emailed janome and they told me to go to a repair person. That is not an option for me right now so its either I figure it out or the machine goes back in storage.Thanks for any help that can be offered. Ive enjoyed checking out the different threads here and hope to be able to contribute in some way in the future. Have a great day!

I'm familiar with the Husqvarna Viking line which should be accommodate much of your wishes. The latest issue of the HV Epic or its sister Pfaff machine (don't know the model name) both have larger throats, but they won't be taller. They're large and aren't the kind you put away each time you use it. Also,be prepared for sticker shock. Best idea is to visit local major sewing machine brand dealers to test drive machines and sometimes they have good promotions or decent prices on 2nd hand machines. I would stay out of Walmart if you want a sturdy, dependable machine.