QBeth

No, way over priced!

quiltingcandy

I have 3 featherweights - I paid $325.00 for my first one and the other 2 were around $200.00. But the lowest priced one I had to replace the foot pedal & cord (that is one piece) because the original owner had lost it, but everything else was there.

It all depends on what you want to do with it. They are very reliable, very portable and cute. You won't find a lighter vintage machine. The stitches are limited. Some do not do a reverse stitch, not sure when they introduced it.

For some odd reason they are very addictive. Don't know why, maybe it is like the beanie baby craze, or maybe because they have some hypnotic sound when you sew on them. Not sure what it is, but it does appear you can't own just one.

jlm5419

The price for the featherweight seems high. As for Kenmores, I bought mine new in the late 70s and it has sewn shirts, jeans, drapes, sofa covers, you name it. It still sews great. The older Kenmores were good, solid machines.

sewwhat85

that is too much for now they used to go for that but not for several years

Happiness is...

OK. That setttles it. Not getting it. Thanks.

patski

no way, you'll find one for less

dianalee

Yes, if it had all the accessories and the book. If the decals and case were in good condition. If it had a musty antique odor..not a smoker or cat pissy smell. Yes, I would if I saw it and inspected it in person. Get the serial number and find out it's birthday.
If cost is a concern, then may I recommend Singer 4166 66 Stitch from AllBrands.com to take in your motor home or to class. The stitches are pleasantly, surprisingly beautiful and it is light. Not a big out of pocket investment, a computer machine light and practical. The small Janomes are all wonderful.
I do have a $425.00 1946 Featherweight which I adore and it sews beautifully. It was love at first sight! I had to have it! I didn't even question. It is like owning a classic antique car. It is a privilege and special. I have owned a Viking 1100 which I wore out, a Morse and Kenmores.... but I am a die hard Janome fan. About 25 years ago my friend and I decided to take quilting classes. We went to the big city Sears and bought their $99 on sale Kenmore. We were thrilled until we got to the class. There were just some things our machines would not do. Like drop the feed dogs or do an appliqué stitch. Plus women actually were machine snobs. We were definitely treated like low class encroachers. (the instructor was patient and nice though)I thought they must have paid $500.00 for their machines! Ha! More like $1500 to $3500..... Now I understand the pride and appreciation of those who are fortunate to own a lovely Featherweight or top of your budget machine of quality. I never take my expensive machine out of my sewing room.
All that said, If that featherweight has a scroll face plate, has all the bells and whistles, and smells like an antique and not an ashtray or litter box..consider it. $400 can buy a nice light Janome. Pass on the old Kenmores. You may want to look for a nice Singer 66 or Singer 301. They are the berries (..but heavy.) and you may be able to get it in a nice wooden cabinet and stool. Good luck!

Happiness is...

Thanks. A BUNCH of useful info :)

sewbizgirl

The prices are starting to come back down to earth on Featherweights. They are nice to have as a portable to take with you, but they aren't all that. Mine sews well but not as fast as I'd like, and the throat space is only big enough to piece, not quilt. There are other great vintage Singers you could get for about $50, including nice cabinet, which can do a whole lot more.

Featherweights are cute and WAY hyped, which is why the price is so much more than other Singers of the same time period.

Just keep looking...

dianalee

Nice treadle! Your baby?