1940 Singer Featherweight 221
 

I am interested in purchasing a 1940,year I was born,:) Singer Featherweight 221, I am a fairly new quilter and I am not sure whether I should purchase one or not. I have been taking classes at Joann's in Stockton and started using their Viking with slow speed and have been doing much better. I have a fused ankle and really can's control the pedal easily. There is a man, from Freemont CA who is coming to our quilting guild show the first weekend in March, and he usually sells FW for about $400. Is this a fair price, and what should I ask about it before I purchase it. I would like to talk to Miriam, but can not find her e mail address. I would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks you. Tomodachi

Well I don't know much but I can tell you my wonderful DH took me on a surprise trip last Saturday and bought me a 1941 Singer featherweight for $350.00. That included about 5 feet, the case, book and since it was at my lqs she offered to help if I have any problems in the future. It had just been cleaned and serviced in November and the tag was still on it. Did I mention she sews like a dream. :) Hope this helps.

Theya re selling on EBAY for a lot of money--most are in the 300-400 $ range with some a whole lot higher. Man, can't believe that they think it is a gold machine. They also have some of the new featherweight cheapies that are out all plastic. My friend has a Brother that really is nice and quiet and sews very well. I use it whenever she needs something fixed at her house.

I am a real FW fan! And I have several and absolutely love them all! but mostly I piece with them----now I did some free motion quilting on a 401 for the first time......and that was fun-----but I do think every quilter should have a FW.

I believe the "man in Fremont" may be an older gentleman who works on Featherweights. If so and you decide to buy a machine from him I can tell you it will be in perfect working condition. I know this gentleman and knows everything about Featherweights and takes pride in his machines and his workmanship. I know there are ones on Ebay that are cheaper, however, you may end up spending more money after the sale to have it cleaned and adjusted.
As far as your concern about the foot control the original foot pedal has a small button to run the machine. There are new replacement foot pedals that are wider and are much easier to control. That may help you

My sister read your post here and called to be sure I read this and answered! She is in Mesa, AZ LOL
I'm not a FW 'expert' although I sewed on one when I was a kid and I have refurbished a few - If you can get one that has been serviced for that price with a warranty from someone reputable I'd say go for it. Especially if you don't have to ship it - right there you saved $50 - $75 I think. If you figure how much those cost 60 years ago then allow for inflation, it is still a good deal - a new sewing machine will not hold up as long so will cost you a lot more money. It looks to me like the advice above is good. I hope you find one you really love. At the same time don't rule out a nice Singer 301

The price is rising every day.

I have 6 of them and have never paid over $250 for a 221 Featherweight. Check the www.shopgoodwill.com website as well as ebay. Also check local estate sales for them. People find them at garage sales often as well; sometimes for as little as $10!!! I'd never be that lucky!

Shop goodwill has gotten pretty pricy for a machine that has not been worked over. Usually when you see a cheap FW there is a reason

Shopgoodwill.com just closed an auction for a Singer Rocketeer and it sold for $75. I quit bidding at $50. I see FW's on there too but they seem to go for $250+ and there are no guarantees that they even work. If you do bid on something online, I would really recommend shopping close to home - I don't bid on anything on shopgoodwill.com unless I can pick it up. I really got burned on shipping the first time I purchased from this sight - the packaging wasn't very good, all smashed up when it got to me, thankfully the product was fine. It cost me as much to ship three diecuts for my AccuQuilt as it cost to buy them!

I own three FW's - Paid $250, $125, and $250 for them. They are all from the 1940's. I am getting ready to sell one - I just picked it up from the local sewing machine shop - wanted to make sure everything was perfect before putting it on craigslist. I plan on asking $350 for it since it cost me $100 to have it serviced. I won't be making any money on it, but I won't be losing any either.