What makes a FW so highly sought after and ...
 

more expensive than the other vintage machines?

Is it because it is better built, or more for its collector's value?

Good question. I don't know but I'll be glad to hear the responses.

In my personal opinion...it's so small, and light weight. It sews the most perfect straight line. And it's very quiet!

Kat

And it is so cute! Also, it is simple to maintain.

They are light weight, so very portable, take up very little storage space, easy to take care of - even if you are not mechanical in mind, you can work this machine with a book or internet. You do not need formal training to use the machine, it is amazingly well built. But prices do get rather crazy because you have supply and demand and people get greedy. When I started quilting more seriously and wanted one to take to classes and various other events, I kept finding them in excess of $500.00 which was just crazy for me. So bought a little Europro for those things and kept my eyes open. The featherweights were made for so long they are not rare, and finally ended up with three (gave one to my sister) one at $300.00 the other 2 were under $200.00. In San Diego county I didn't really think I was going to find anything too much lower. But I love to look - just don't need to buy. Not sure why - but I can't help myself.

Yes, the cute factor makes it so irresistable!:p

Besides that they are "collectible", they do sew a nice straight line, and they are small and lightweight making them easy to take to classes and groups easily.

I like the portablility. Lightweight. and all of the above. I have two of them. One has the bobbin winder broke off but I can wind spare bobbins on other one when I plan on taking them out to a sewing get together.

For me, three things. They are super simple, when I just want to sew I can turn it on and go... No programming. I can maintain it myself for just a few dollars/year in oil and grease and the odd small part. Last, it's super portable. It only takes a couple minutes to pack it up and go, and with the case in a tote bag I can carry it over my shoulder.

It's portable, quiet, beautiful stitch, easy to maintain, and just plain cute.

I think it's because they are just so darned cute

They are perfect in every way!!! lightweight, small, quality stitch, NOT plastic, dependable and CUTE

I dream of having one. Why? Because they are small, cute, and people say they sew a straight line.

I like the portability part myself, great for classes. I think it is like keeping up with the Jones's....all my quilt friends had or wanted one so I just had to have one too as I am new to quilting

It is good to see you back, Charlee. I have missed you--and my comment about the FWs would be the same as yours....

All of the above, but also the historical factor too. I love to think of someone using the machine and what she might have sewn. My FW is not pretty, but boy is she a workhorse.

DITTO...DITTO...DITTO ..To all your comments..I have two centennials and would not part with them..Both came in very nice condition with all the attachments and book. Got each for under $300.00 a piece..

obviously, they are cute. They are also NOT intimidating- especially since my 221 is hot pink! so whenever I have someone who says they can't sew because they are clumsy or scared, I plop mine down on the table and have them push the pedal. Next thing I know, I am usually giving lessons.
I am shocked by how many people are afraid of sewing machines- I have had them compared to dentists!

first about the featherweight: it is lightweight which is a necessity with age and back problems, it makes a beautiful straight stitch, and it is easy to maintain. It is ideal for retreats and get togethers, not heavy!!!! Easy to clean....

Because the truth is we are all still little girls (or boys!) inside and the FW is just so cute and toy like!! LOL

I agree with all of the above. Add to it the following:
Parts are easy to find.
Stitch is perfect.
If you want to do something fancy, there are attachments that will let you do it. Example: Free Motion Quilting, Buttonholes, zig-zag, zippers, embroidery. Yes it means you have lots of pieces to keep track of.

However, 95% of what we do is straight stitching. This machine is perfect for that. It's my go-to machine and the one my kids want to take from me - not the complex ones or the electronic ones - just the one that WORKS!

I have 4 featherweights, 3 black& 1 tan. They all sew very well, lightweight,very portable,quiet,all metal parts,well made(not like the junk sold today).
I had to go into the hospital for an overnight stay yesterday. I'm not really that sick, just needed to be there to have I.V. antibiotics for a staph infection.
My featherweight fit into my suitcase along with my clothes,etc. and quilting paraphernalia and 3 bags of scraps. I sewed while waiting for my treatment to be done, got lots of log cabin blocks done. I sure got a few comments on my blocks and FW; someone wanted to know how a "toy" sewing machine could sew so well. :D 2 of my nurses are quilters and knew just what a FW can do.
I got to come home this afternoon, DH was glad that there was only a featherweight in my luggage. Its a Tutto sewing machine bag that did double duty as a suitcase too.
Sharon W.