QuilterToo

Yes. You were very, very correct. The Featherweight needle goes in with flat part to the left, and threaded from right to left --not like the modern machine. It sews "like a charm" now--exactly why I had it reconditioned. You see, it was given to me by my aunt and, what a surprise to come upon it when cleaning out and trying to find one for an affordable price, didn't know I still had it, leave alone that it was a Featherweight.
That's the wonderful thing this board is all about.

Prim Quilts

Yay, glad it is up and running. They are great little machines.

Blackberry

You will love, love, love it. I just acquired my second one with all decals intact and looks to be barely used for $125. Case was a little smelly but I put a bar of Irish Spring soap in it, let it set for several days and it now smells so clean and fresh. Happy sewing.

tenngal

I use Irish Spring in my cases, also - agree that it helps. I keep a bar in the case - not touching the machine, of course. They are so cheap at the $ Tree!