Originally Posted by
chris_quilts
I love the older Singers. Intuitive to thread, clean up easily and not real fussy machines. Both of my daughters, who don't sew much, can operate them without much guidance. That being said, my featherweights are a pain in my patookis and both have personality issues as far as I'm concerned. Other people really love those little buggers. Actually, they remind me of the Shetland pony my siblings and I learned to ride on as children - obstinate with his own way of doing things.
FW and 301s are my least favorite straight stitch vintage Singer - I think it is the PITB bobbin area. When they get tangled (which they DO) they are hard to untangle.