I didn't find out about Featherweights until about 3 years ago. I knew that my mom's old Singer was tucked away in a case in the back of a closet with all of its attachments, the instruction book etc.etc. but all I could remember is that I was not allowed to touch it as a child, it was absolutely HUGE, and it was the source of numerous Halloween and school play costumes. One day I decided to take the "fearsome beast" out and see if I could use it as a backup for my Bernina. I think my screams of delight could be heard on the other side of the world when I saw that it was a Featherweight!
I had it serviced (the repairman said it was in remarkably pristine condition even though it hadn't been out of the case in at least 30 years altho he replaced the power plug as a "precaution") and brought it home. BUT I kept hearing my mom's voice reminding her little girl to "never touch this machine" so I swear it took me a couple of hours of approach/avoidance to turn it on and start sewing with it (I was a very obedient child!).
When I looked the serial number up, I found that it was purchased in 1949 -- when I was 2 years old (no wonder I thought it looked huge!). Of all the beautiful things my mom left me, this is my most valued treasure. I smile every time I use it because I know that my mom's spirit is perched on my shoulder telling me that it's finally OK if I touch it.