I've developed an appreciation for Featherweights after hearing many of your praises for them. I'm not, however, wanting to spend the money that most ask for one because it's just a novelty, not a necessity. Not to mention I've been spending way too much money on sewing related articles lately. Yesterday, I thought I would stroll through our local antique mall in search of old Singers, hoping I would find a Featherweight at a price I would feel comfortable paying. I didn't find a Featherweight, but I did find a Singer 301 in what appears to be a complete and fair, if not good, condition. I plugged it in and, at first, it was loud and sick sounding, but soon seemed to settle into a normal sounding rumble. Of course I hadn't brought fabric, so I was sewing on a brown paper towel, and their wasn't a spool of thread, only a length of thread about two feet long. The stitches were somewhat loose, perhaps due to the towel and short thread, and I didn't have a chance to test the bobbin winder. Also, it has a very strong "old" smell to it, especially the case. Now that I've given you more details than you care to hear, I'll tell you the price on it is $69. What do you think? Good deal, or pass it up and move on? Should I be concerned about that initial growling? I don't want to have it serviced, but would rather clean the ol'
gal up myself. Any advice about self servicing her? (Incidently, it's black and sweet, but not cute as a button like the Featherweights.) Words of wisdom wanted.