I belong to a group that makes quilts for our wounded soldiers and their families. I find it much easier to take my Featherweight or Singer 301 with me, unless I need zig zag stitches. I use my featherweight quite a bit. I just got one of my machines painted a lovely dark purple.
You can see her in her "new dress and decals" here:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...30994-113.html
I like how nicely a Featherweight stitches and its very easy to use, they are lovely little machines. If you decide to buy a Featherweight make sure it has the bobbin case, it takes a modern 15x1 needle.
Sharon
owner of 3 Singer Featherweights and a 301