Hello everyone,
I just recently purchased a Featherweight (1947) in it's original case. The machine is wonderful. The carrying case, however, is another story. How in the world do I get rid of the musty/mildewy smell of it? It must have been sitting in a basement/attic for years. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

How wonderful!!! I got mine last summer I took the case and set it outside . you could put a dryer sheet in it, but just face the fact - they smell. you can buy a new case for it , but expensive. I use mine alot so it stays out Have fun with it, it is a gem.
Donna

Thank you so much for you quick response. I will try your suggestions. No, I have not named "her" yet. I will soon. Thanks again.

May also try a good cleaning with a wood cleaning product and then maybe linseed or poly to seal the case. Be sure to let dry thoroughly. Otherwise check with a featherweight dealer..... :)

Years ago we were cleaning out my aunts house and we came upon her featherweight sewing machine with case. The case had that same musty odor you mentioned. My mother and I tried everything we could think of to get rid of that odor to no avail. Sunshine, newspaper, charcoal, you name it. We finally got rid of the machine. I still have our mother's machine. It has no odor and I presume it's because the machine was in almost constant use by my mother, two sisters and myself! I wish I had a happier ending to tell you about that sewing machine case. Sorry! Put the machine out and enjoy it and store the case far, far away.

this is not exactly on the topic but. . .

what is a featherweight machine and why are they so popular?

have seen them discussed in other place and just decided to ask :?:

Very lightweight sewing machine, very tough. Very popular with those quiltereses that like to go to quilt classes, quilt fairs, quilt demos. One was made by singer, one, (the grass hopper?) was made by Elna.

Me? I can carry a ?Bernina 830.

tim in san jose

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/439.page

check out the above topic. Ruth Camp posted a picture of her sewing machine. The featherweight looks very much like this. It's very portable.

Here is a picture of the machine. I hope I attached the picture correctly. I'm new at this. :-)

Last night I washed it throughly with Murphy soap. It does smell a little better. I'll keep working on it. I would hate to throw the case away. It came with both keys and it great shape.

Thanks for all the help. You ladies are fabulous.

Yvonne, thanks for the post (stay with me here :D ) linking back to your link to the Singer site for dating these machines. I discovered mine (not a featherweight) was made in 1904 in Elizabethtown, NJ. 8)