YolandaW

If a case isn't that important to you they easily fit into one of the sterlite file folder box. Most times they go for a lot cheaper without the case. Just make sure you get the bobbin holder and the foot pedal.

But like the other's said bid at the last minute. I use bidnip. You buy bids but they are really cheap. I've forgotten how much since my only purchase was 4 years ago and still have some left. You don't pay if you don't win. Bidnip has helped me win a ton of times.

jaciqltznok

yep..snipers..hate that..now they have "bots" that do the bidding for you so you don't have to even watch the bidding..

I gave up two years ago...now, I am more interested in a 301!

Char

If you have any shops near you where people put things up for sale (resale shops) you might find one. I bought mine for $25.00 and it sews like a little champ! I didn't know I needed one until I saw it sitting on the shelf!! :) :D :wink:

AliKat

That happened to me numerous times. Esp with a particular vendor. I kept at it and actually got one from someone else. I love it.

ali

slk350

Well, I watched E-Bay for a year. Wasn't in a big hurry, also checked Craigslist and local thrift shops. I did notice the same thing with the prices going up in the last few minutes. I was bidding late at night and got mine for $250 with shipping. Machine and case in excellent condition, but didn't have any extra stuff and no manual (downloaded for free on Singer site). Only 1 extra foot and 2 bobbins. Good luck, it takes time to find what you want.

deedum

Yea.

YolandaW

For me they are
1. Cute
2. Sew a great stitch
3. Easy to work on myself
4. Parts are easy to get
5. Can transport easily
6. Hold their value

cabbagepatchkid

Try this site:

http://www.patented-antiques.com/Sewing_Machines_Fw.htm

Some of the machines aren't too high in price. Also, scroll down 2/3 of the page and there is a rare cabinet made for a FW that has a 'lift' in it that allows the FW to store down inside the cabinet when not in use! I have never heard of one of these cabinets for a FW.

Another site that you might try is Cathy Forcino~~

http://www.cathylynnforcino.com/sewing%20machines.html

She makes mohair Teddy Bears but she also sells FW's and 301's. I've bought several 301's and a FW from her. If you check out her sewing machine page you will see a pic of my little golden retriever, Sasha, checking out the box when my first machine arrived. Her packing is awesome!

Honeynga

I just got a FW last week and was so happy I cried once I got her in the car and was on my way home......MY biggest joy is that it is exactly like the one my foster mother made almost all of my clothes on when I was growing....she made me wool coats, every day clothes, prom dresses AND my wedding dress !

I also learned on sew on this machine. As I got older I thougth I was far above something so simple so I bought me a fancy dancy Singer with all the bell and whistle (at that time anyway)....made clothes for myself and my 3 girls...even made my husband wool pants with a matching vest on my fancy Singer !

As I've gotten older (almost 65) I've realized that the basic stuff is good enough and sometimes better ! I also have a couple of Brothers two Singers and a low end Bernina and now am the proud owner of Miss Jimmie, my FW ! I feel that my foster mother, Jimmie is smiling from heaven and glad that I've found such joy in a sewing machine !

I've spent a lot of time this week piecing on her and just love it. The neat thing was that when I sat down to thread her and wind the bobbin I didn't need to look at the instruction sheet as I do with some of my other machines....there is almost NO way to thread her improperly.........

I took a quilting class earlier this year and one of the participants brought her FW because they are obviously lighter weight that other machines and piece beautifully.

Just waiting for another class so I can take my baby and show her off !!!

MaryAnnMc

I found my Bitsy on ebay. The seller had an auction going, with a "Buy IT Now" price of $170. I snapped her up, knowing full well bidding would go over that at the last minute if not before. Keep looking, your turn will come.