germanquilter

I am a complete newbie to vintage sewing machines but would love to start researching some info about Singer featherweights. Are there any good sites out there? Is the 221 the only featherweight out there and what is a "good' year to purchase. I figured if I prepare myself via research, I can start looking for those little gems at garage sales/ antique shops

oregongirl

You can look around for one without researching first - it's all fun. i just bought my first Featherweight and love it. i'm still learning it, and fall back upon my "old" Slant-o-matic 503a, but the next sewing retreat i'm going to take the Featherweight and get more familiar with it. There are a lot of threads on this site about FWs too, complete with lots of good information.

There is the Featherweight 221 that has a flat base and a 222 that had a free-arm that drops down for sewing things like set-in sleeves. i think those are less common. there are lots of 221's around in various conditions. mine is a "centennial" - it has a blue ring around the trademark S plate on the front and was made to celebrate Singer's centennial anniversary. Those are a teeny bit more valuable, if all else is the same. Value seems to vary a lot depending on where you live.

Here's a handful of fun sites that I had bookmarked:

http://www.singer-featherweight.com/index.html

http://jillybejoyful.blogspot.com/20...herweight.html

http://thefeatherweight221factory.com/page7.php

http://www.novamontgomery.com/singer...-the-month.htm

http://www.featherweightfanatics.com/

Daylesewblessed

Graham Forsdyke is considered an expert on FW's. His site is the first one listed by oregongirl. He also moderates the FW site on Yahoo and answers a lot of questions there.

Preparing yourself is a good idea before buying, but you can still be looking for a great deal and snatch it up even before you know much. One tip-- if you are trying out a machine at a garage sale or wherever, the machine threads from right to left.

Enjoy the hunt!

rhondabailey

I bought a 1955 221 Featherweight a few months ago and now my Bernina is very lonely. I use the FW all the time and love it! I just order a free motion foot and plate and can't wait to try my hand at free motion quilting with it.

MimiBug123

I have a 1936 named Phoebe and a 1947 named Fiona. They are lovely girls. I am looking for a 1951 and a 1953 (the year I was born). The 51 and 53 will be my birthday gifts from DH to me-he just doesn't know it yet! Their sound is so precious. I love it, when I'm at quilting guild and everybody is using them. It sounds like a fresh, spring rain. Wonderful music, and you probably won't be able to stop with just one!