I understand a Featherweight is a "quilter's dream" because of the straight seam, portability, etc. My husband bought me one last year and I was quite surprised! I love it! I am still getting the hang of it but it is in good shape and so cute and pretty! It also brings back plenty of memories of my grandparents and mother's machines, they didn't have Featherweights but had old Singer sewing machines that were full size.