Lightweight portable machine

I am looking to purchase an inexpensive sewing machine that is not only lightweight but will allow me to sew through thicker material.  Is this a dream?  I would like to go to classes to make the Amy Butler purses or any type of tote or craft without having the machine choke.  I just want basic stitches as I have a Bernina at home.

I have been looking at this Brother (the link is for Costco but also available on Amazon) for the same reason. 

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11222787&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US#reviews

Price is pretty reasonable.  Here's one of the reviews from the Costco site:

Great travel-workshop machine
"I teach quilting and purchased my Brother almost a year ago. When my students saw the features on this machine, about a dozen of them also purchased the machine. The machine sews beautifully, has a very nice bobbin winder, multiple speeds and needle-down position--everything a quilter needs. It comes with a quarter inch foot, walking foot and free motion foot. Plus it only is compact and only weighs about 11 lbs, so easy to carry to class. I definitely recommend this machine for home and workshops."

Thanks for the info.  I will have to check this one out.

I have the Brother SE350 and I love it.  Now I haven't really sewn much on others.  My sister has a Pfaff and thats about it.  I really like it.  It has many features that my sister's has.  Its very light weight.  And it does embroidery .  I got it at WalMart for $359.  I know its not a fancy one, but I have made the Birdie Tote and had no problems.

Good luck!

I find my Kenmore really easy to carry around - I've taken it to school and back many times and love the handle on the top (perhaps this is a standard feature on new machines, but my 1974 Kenmore didn't have one and it was super heavy to carry!).  It has no problem sewing through heavier fabrics.  I don't know how it compares to other machines as I have only ever had a Kenmore (and everyone I know who sews has a Kenmore!), but it's a great machine for the price. (You can get Kenmore machines with basic stitches for $150 (Canadian).  They even make a super-light model that sells for less than $100  and is supposed to be able to sew denim, but I haven't tried it out so I can't tell you how well it runs.