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!!

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.

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 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.

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?

 

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

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!

 

Tricia.......We travel with a BrotherCS-6000i.  I have had it for about 2 years now.  It has all of the bells and whistles that I need.  The best feature is it's weight.  Yes, it is computerized....and has 60 built in stitches.  I absolutely love it!!!  Cost new is about $200....but I have seen it cheaper.  I think it was on HSN for $159.
Safe Travels!!!