buying a featherweight
 

Ok - I just spent the weekend at a fabulous quilt retreat and several ladies had Singer featherweight machines. I am curious about these machines and would like to think about purchasing one to take to future retreats. I currently have a viking D1 and it's rather large and bulky to haul and would like to have something for just straight stitching. Can you please send me any good advice on how to find a good featherweight for purchase? I have looked on ebay and it's a little overwhelming. They had told me that the best is a black and I believe the number was 221, but let me know if you have a different opinion. thanks so much.

The 221 is a flat bed machine. The 222 is a free arm machine. (Both are featherweights.) All the featherweights are great little machines, I have heard. (I own 3.) Check craigs list, too, as sometimes you can find a great buy there. You might let it be known in your quilting group that you are looking. If someone hears of a FW for sale, they could let you know. I got my third one when a member of my guild decided to sell hers.

Well, you can go with the herd or you can look at other great vintage machines too.

Quilt Mom is right. However, the 222 can be VERY expensive!

You'll love the Featherweight you end up with for portability, and you may find that you stop using your D1 ! :)

As for what to look for on ebay... check the photos carefully. If they don't show the bobbin area, ask if the bobbin and bobbin case are there. Look for bad wiring, etc.

This one on ebay is one I'd consider:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-221-...#ht_500wt_1413

Or this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SINGER-FEATH...ht_6680wt_1392

And this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Singer-Feath...#ht_500wt_1413

I have no affiliation with any of these sellers, just went looking to see if I could find examples of what I'd look for.

Happy hunting! Let us know when you find her!

Thank you so much Charlee for all the examples, I have went and looked at all of them and have marked them so I can keep an eye on them. I will keep you posted.