Originally Posted by JaneK
Hi, I also think the featherweights are kind of tiny, but that's what makes them so cute! I have what I think is the greatest "little" machine. Weighs very little. I transport it everywhere and it sews like a dream. It's an ELNA Tsp lotus. It has flaps that fold up on 3 sides to serve as it's carrying case and they fold down as a sewing table when you use it. It has straight stitch as well as reverse, zig -zag, and the coolest little retractable bobbin retriever that pulls down to stick in the bobbin hole and lift it out. Love, love , love this machine, also much less expensive than a Singer featherweight. I do, however love my Singers, too, especially my 201-2, but it weighs 10, 000 pounds! :-) I put my iron in the photo so you can see the size comparison.
Interesting, JaneK-- I've never seen that machine before! Thank you for the photos and description. I always like to read what machine people love, and why.
I had heard the 201 weighed a TON, but when I bought this one I removed the 'head' from the cabinet to transport it home safely. I was surprised that it didn't weigh more, after all I've read. It's around 40 lbs. I tote heavy weight plates around the gym, so this felt like nothing to me. The head did weigh more than the treadle base table it was installed in, tho. But either piece I could easily move myself.
My 201 was built in 1950, and not many years later they began making them out of aluminum, to address the weight issue. I'm glad I was able to get an iron one.
I have a Bernina Record 830 that I can carry around as a portable. I just was wondering about the Singer 99s...