Would appreciate suggestions

[kamart]

I would like to purchase a small sewing machine to use in crafting......mainly sewing on handmade cards. I do not want a regular size machine.......thank you for any and all suggestions.

[sewflake]

It depends on whether you want any fancy stitching or just straight stitching but still I would suggest you purchase the least expensive machine you need to get the job done you want. Now if you are ever going to use it for fabric crafting or clothing, well then, that is a whole new ball game!!

[Crafter 4 Life]

Many people have the Janome Mini for paper crafting. GinaK has a series of tutorials on how to use the machine. Hancock Fabrics carries the machine in my area and it is often on sale for $39.00 - $49.99.

I have one but haven't used it yet for cards. One thing I found it that it is noisy so I bought a large piece of thick fun foam as a noise buffer. Will have to get it out and USE it as another crafting tool.

Good luck on your search

[QueenOfInkland]

I have the Janome Mini and like it very much. I think I paid around $50 for it - worth every penny. I don't find it to be particularly loud, but then I like to listen to loud music, so my definition of loud might not be the same as Crafter for Life's

I learned my lesson the hard way. The first machine that I bought (cannot remember the name) was very inexpensive (like $15) and it was a piece of junk so that was just a waste of my money.

Whatever machine you decide to get, I recommend that you look it up on Amazon.com and check out the reviews before making your purchase. Lots of good feedback on Amazon about tons of products.

Always exciting to be getting a new crafting tool - have fun!

[catxnmks]

May I suggest Craigslist? I got a nice Singer Stylist for $10! And it works beautifully!

[Ellibelle]

I too suggest janome sew mini. Had mine for some time, it was the first sewing machine that didn't frustrate me. When it finally did quit working, I decited to get another janome, a little more expensive than the mini, but still under $100. Maybe you can find some great online deals for it around this time of the year. I saw a hello kitty edition of the janome at target recently. So cute!

[KoffeeKat]

Great question! I was looking for one for DD this morning for Christmas.

Ikea sells one for about $60 in the US (about $100 here). It is about 3/4 size compared to my full size Janome.

But that Janome Mini looks awesome and is about 2" smaller all around.

I have a Birch Creative Collage at the moment.
Pros - it is tiny, light, works on batteries (no cords) but can also use a plug if you can find the right one, cost only $20 in Aus
Cons - does a chain stitch which is fiddly to finish off, batteries don't provide a lot of power.

[kamart]

Thank You for all the comments and suggestions.......I ordered a Janome Mini from Hancock Fabrics.....it was on sale and I am so excited to get it! Thanks Again for your help!!