Portable is the debatable aspect. The older portables can be moved around but are heavy. I don't think there are any hand crank models close to the Featherweight when it comes to weight. I guess a hand crank Singer 99 and 128 are good examples of basic smaller portable models.
They aren't common at all, but I have seen the later aluminium (beige/brown) Singer 201K23 with spoked hand wheel, and I guess they will easily convert to hand crank. Because of the aluminium cast body their weigh less than the 3/4 sized cast iron models, and actually can be carried in one hand. (I just looked it up and the model is 201K29).
I'm trying to think of something that's a bit lighter than a standard 3/4 size hand crank. There have been a few threads on uncommon cast aluminium 99s, (I think one was in a crinkle finish?). I'm not sure anymore, perhaps others remember something about this? These should convert to a more light weight machine. A 99 is actually rather nice to work on. I use my straight stitchers, but they are all electrical.
Most of the children's sewing machines on the web seem to be called "toy", and they are childrens machines. Most 99s, 28s and similar on the web are not described as childrens machines luckily at least as far as I have noticed. It would be doing those who are new to vintage machines disservice. Children's machines are often called "toys", most of them are chain stitchers, but the odd lock stitch toy turns up. These really aren't for regular sewing, the presser foot and needle access are shaped to be safe for small hands, making it a bit cumbersome for regular sewing.
Last edited by Mickey2; 06-18-2017 at 03:03 AM.