Do I need a Singer Featherweight?
 

Hi all,
I'm not writing this to find enablers. LOL. I'm honestly looking for your opinions.

The DH just gave me a few bucks for my birthday, and I'm thinking of buying a Singer Featherweight. My main machine is a Janome 6600, but I just love those little vintage beauties and I'm thinking of buying one to add to my sewing space.

Here's the question: do I need it? If you use one as a secondary machine, what do you use it for? How often do you use it? I don't want it to collect dust in its case. If you don't think I'll use it much, feel free to speak up, too!

By the way, I never go to retreats. I may take a sewing class or two this summer, but they have machines there I could use.

Thanks for your help!

That is totally up to you. I almost never use my featherweight - it is nice to take to classes since it is compact and not computerized. The only thing I have ever used mine for is piecing, it does have a really nice straight stitch.

I have a Janome 8900 which is in a cabinet and is great for FMQ ,but the FW is what I use for piecing. I take it in our RV,the GD love using it,it's very quiet so doesn't interfere with the DH all- important TV watching.

As with most things quilting, I don't think NEED is the right term, just WANT. I also have a Janome, mine's a MC9000 and it's pretty heavy to lug around. I have taken my Featherweight to classes, but if your classes have machines, maybe you don't need it for that. I also do projects with kids, like the pillowcase project and tote bags from old tee shirts we did at Sunday school. When kids come here to learn to sew, either grands or friends, I usually start them on the FW. If Jan should be out of sorts and need to see the machine doctor, it's good to have the FW as a backup. Mostly, I just love having her. So the decision is yours to make based on what your needs, or your WANTS might be. If you can, just do it and you'll find lots of needs for it. You can always sell it if you find you don't want it anymore. There is always a market for them.

Honestly, many people prefer the 301 over the FW and they're usually cheaper and easier to find...

HONESTLY? yes you should get one! a good ole singer is the best to use... they sew straight without any guidance... I love my babylock but it doesn't sew as well as the old ones.........

Writergrrl,

Well, short answer = no.

Here's why I say that. From the time I married my wife 30 years ago, she's a lifelong sewest, she said she wanted a Feather Weight. So for her birthday a year and a half ago I bought her one. To this day she has not used it once.

I cleaned it, removed the thread jam from the bobbin, lubed it, put a new belt on it, and test sewed with it. Then later I made a Whacky Bag with it. It's a very good machine.

My wife wanted one, but now that she's got it, she never uses it.

So, if you want one, get one. Do you need it ..... no.

Joe

I love my featherweight, I use it more than any other machine that I own. It sews like butter. I love looking at it too! Plus you can't beat how portable it is!! My answer would be yes - go and get a featherweight. You won't be sorry

yes you need it i have one plus a 301 love the way they sew