Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)
-   -   Computerized Featherweight (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/computerized-featherweight-t132538.html)

CarrieAnne 06-24-2011 03:21 AM

Cute little machine!

bearisgray 06-24-2011 03:29 AM

Hope it works out well for you.

I kind of wish that Singer would have come up with a different name than "Featherweight" - just because of the confusion factor -

Dodie 06-24-2011 04:27 AM

this is very interesting I have never heard of this machine but anxious to learn more keep us posted on your likes and dislikes might be just the perfect RV machine for those winter months

dottientx 06-24-2011 05:02 AM

What is wrong with you people? So what if it isn't all metal! So what if this or that! Some of us like yellow in quilts, some of us don't. Why bash the excitement of a person who is excited about getting a new sewing baby! I'd love to have the excitement of getting one of these machines but I don't need 66 decorative stitches. Do you think that would make me put down anyone who wants them? If I had one of these machines I wouldn't have to use them. Do I smell a bit of Featherweight snobbery here???? Old is old no matter what it is.

mizsandy 06-24-2011 05:14 AM

I would take a new machine anyday! But no money, so will just hobble along with my very basic trusted New Home Janome.
Enjoy your machine!
Just a side note, I really enjoy this site. Keeps me up to date on quilting. Even though I don't post, I think all of you have lovely quilts.

GramaLaura 06-24-2011 05:16 AM

How exciting!!! Enjoy your new toy :-D

LindaaJR 06-24-2011 05:21 AM

WOW I am surprised at the sewing machine snobs poping up this morning on the board. Not every one is going to like the same machines nor afford the same machines. Congratulations on your new purchase of the computerized featherweight. I am sure you will enjoy it. Take care.
Linda

redpurselady 06-24-2011 05:30 AM

Have fun with your new toy - it's always so exciting to get a new machine, be it brand new, or brand new old.

LindaaJR 06-24-2011 05:32 AM

[
I wish they wouldn't use the classic names on new machines-- just creates a lot of confusion. I'm sure it's meant to use the popularity of the old ones to sell the new.
I have the old Bernina 830 and still can't stand that they named a new machine "830" too. Crazy. Now I have to call my 830 by it's FULL name, which I have never done before: Bernina Record 830, just to differentiate it from the new one.[/quote]

They use the same name on car models every year and they change thru the years, so why not sewing machines made by the same company? If I had my druthers of a featherweight, I would pick the newest model. Antique is good, afterall I am one, but new is good too. Take care.
Linda

mhansen6 06-24-2011 06:06 AM

[All plastic parts. No plastic parts in the original Featherweight!!![/quote]

The ad for the new Featherweight says it has a "Heavy Duty Metal Frame".

Can anyone tell me how this Featherweight compares to the Janome Jem? I am looking to get one of these light weight machines for classes and get togethers.

Sandra-P 06-24-2011 06:13 AM

I have an original FW, also a Janome Gem Gold, but I want one of the new Featherweights like yours! I need one for Florida when I am there and will definitely get one like yours! Thank you for sharing.

grammyj 06-24-2011 06:19 AM

WOW I think that machine is great! If I didn't have so many machines already I would get one, love all the features on it
I have an old original featherweight,But I think I would like to have one of those too,hummmm where could I put it?

k9dancer 06-24-2011 06:20 AM

One of the big differences is the harp space. It looks as though one can barely get an arm in through there. I can machine quilt large quilts on my vintage featherweight, which I don't think I could do on this new one.
I do have a preference for the older machines (all of them) because they are built to last. Most older machines are designed to be serviced, and parts are available. Many newer machines are designed to be replaced, not repaired.
That said, I hope you enjoy your new machine for many years!

NannySandy 06-24-2011 06:34 AM

I am happy for you and your purchase of your new featherweight. I think it is so cute. I hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I own an old featherweight, but I am in no way a featherweight snob. I do not think there are no other machines, other than featherweights. I also do not like to rain on others parades, and dont like to see others do that either. I am sorry you have gotten negative comments about your new machine. It all comes down to personal preference. I also own a husqvarna, which was expensive and I wish I had never purchased. But my favorite machine is my old 1974 singer, which is not a featherweight. I know 74 inside and out. I can fix whatever breaks and it has stood the test of time. When my expensive Husq is on the fritz, I work on my 74. I purchased my featherweight to carry back and forth to FL (from AL) with me on my monthly visits. I bought it simply because it is lightweight. I use it for piecing my quilt tops when I am away from home. I thought it was cute and the lightweight hooked me. Now that I see your machine, I wouldn't mind having a lightweight with all the features. But, I have enough machines for now. I do hope you enjoy your new machine and when others rain on your parade, ignor them. People with negative comments should not even post. Have a Blessed day. Sandy

lovelyl 06-24-2011 07:06 AM


Originally Posted by clsurz

Originally Posted by DonnaC
clsurz, I'm so happy that you like it! I actually did buy mine from HSN, only to take advantage of the payment plan. I was able to pay in 5 installments which made it really do-able for me.

Here's a photo of the front of mine, with the extension table attached.

I like the low extension table. Lays almost flat on the table unlike other extension tables on other brand machines that have about 4-6 inches high.

Thanks so much for telling us about your new machine. I have an old FW which I LOVE, but sometimes I need something other than a straight stitch. I will look into the new FW for a machine to take to classes. Like you, I can no longer lug my 30 pound machine back and forth to classes.
Have fun!

lfw045 06-24-2011 07:18 AM

I checked it out and I think this is the one I'll save up for. It's got all the feet and the electronics that I would love to have. I love my old vintage machines. I think this is one that will become a "classic" and the electronic components are warrantied for 5 years....the head for 25 years. Yeah I think I'll check this one out!

alwayslearning 06-24-2011 07:23 AM

This looks terrrific and I did not know they existed. I have the Singer 7469 Confidence Quilter which meets my limited needs. I am still a novice. But it would sure be nice to have something lighter with even more stitches to take with me to my weekly quilting group. Thanks for sharing and do enjoy!

Val in IN 06-24-2011 08:15 AM

I have a 1949 Featherweight, a Brother, a 1962 Singer Touch and Sew, a computerized EuroPro, and a serger. I don't see why I wouldn't like this little Singer too. Looks like it might be a really nice little machine. I think sometimes we might get a little narrow minded about things. We're all different with different tastes and needs.

My time 06-24-2011 08:25 AM

This is just so cute. You must post your first project. Congrats.

lue 06-24-2011 11:02 AM

Does it embroider? I'm looking for a light weight machine (I have a bulging disc and have been ordered to lift no more than 10 pounds) that sews AND embroiders for under $400. Any suggestions?

juneayerza 06-24-2011 11:04 AM

Thank you for posting about your new baby. I would have never know about this machine if you had made your post. So now guess where I'm going this afternoon, hint; it's not Disneyland.

lue 06-24-2011 11:05 AM

Sewbizgirl, I have the old Bernina 830 as well and can't find the manual. I googled the manual and they sent me to the new 830! Do you know how I can get a copy of the manual for the old 830 manual. I can't get my decorative stitches to work and I know I must be missing a small step! HELP!!

stichinluvr 06-24-2011 11:11 AM

sounds like what I need when out of town.

stichinluvr 06-24-2011 11:12 AM


Originally Posted by lue
Sewbizgirl, I have the old Bernina 830 as well and can't find the manual. I googled the manual and they sent me to the new 830! Do you know how I can get a copy of the manual for the old 830 manual. I can't get my decorative stitches to work and I know I must be missing a small step! HELP!!

I have the old 830 record. If you PM me, maybe I can find the answer for you. I have the manual, and all the examples we did in class when I got the machine.

mile hi quilter 06-24-2011 11:20 AM

This machine is very cool, there is also a babylock audrey that is very similar, I've been looking at both, just can't decide, the audrey is available through a dealer, have seen a few on ebay, and this one I can just order on-line anytime... very spiffy to take to classes and traveling, keep us posted on how you like it..and have fun :)

Grandma Mary 06-24-2011 11:20 AM


Originally Posted by clsurz
That is why I purchased it because it is lightweight besides all the computerization of it. Also to take with me when I go twice a week to socialize with other sewers/quilters.

I also wanted it to do more than just a straight stitch like the old featherweights do.

HSN was offering it for over $400 and I got it from JoAnn's for a little over $230 for a one day sale they had going on. Couldn't see paying over $400 for it on HSN just because it had a added bundle. They wanted that much with the added bundle and looking up retail value of those items they still were charging over $50 more than if I got it in a retail store.

I have the Singer Futura 2000 which I primarily use for embroidery, photo stitching, auto-punch, cross stitching. It's also a sewing/serger machine but I don't want to be bothered changing it over just to sew therefore it is set up as an embroidery machine.

Right now I've been using the Brother SQ9000 for sewing and taking with me and it is a good little work horse for sure but needed something lighter so opted for the computerized featherweight.

My 8 yr old GD likes to use my mini Janome when she goes with me to these places and also likes to use the Brother SQ9000 when she comes here so I will keep that one for her and I'll use the featherweight.

I looked at the picture online and it looks really nice. I am wondering, however, if it will be big enough for you to do any machine quilting. I have a new Brother machine that is a little champion for me, but I cannot use it for machine quilting or free motion quilting because there isn't enough space to the right of the needle to fit anything big and bulky. I can't quilt my 72" quilt, because I have to squeeze and jam it through such a small hole. So, I am having my old Singer Touch and Sew tuned up for the bigger jobs. Good luck!

DonnaC 06-24-2011 11:25 AM

This response is for lue - I'm assuming you mean, does it do embroidery in a hoop - and the answer is no. It does have some really nice embroidery stitches, but I don't think that is what you wanted.

There are some inexpensive Brother machines that do embroidery in a hoop (I have one, the Disney model), but it's only a 4"x4" design area. I think it might be a little bit heavy for you, though.

Deborahlees 06-24-2011 11:35 AM

what a cute little machine....

clsurz 06-24-2011 11:55 AM


Originally Posted by dottientx
What is wrong with you people? So what if it isn't all metal! So what if this or that! Some of us like yellow in quilts, some of us don't. Why bash the excitement of a person who is excited about getting a new sewing baby! I'd love to have the excitement of getting one of these machines but I don't need 66 decorative stitches. Do you think that would make me put down anyone who wants them? If I had one of these machines I wouldn't have to use them. Do I smell a bit of Featherweight snobbery here???? Old is old no matter what it is.

Actually this computerized featherweight has alot of metal in it. I figure the snobs have yet to try it out and probably have not even seen it.

I'm not upset with such folks. As long as it makes me happy that is all there is IMHo.

I had to chuckle at your comment about "old is old no matter what it is" and IMHO old is on the way out period and it will never come back unless you find one at an antique store/shop. Just like when we get old and can't do anymore we die and go home to be with the Lord. Same goes for old machines, they go to antique heaven.

Personally I love technology and the advances it brings us and this is an awesome machine as an antique and what it could do back than and what it can do today with computerized technology.

Let's face it we are after all in the 21st century and we live in a world full of technology and most of us do not desire to go backwards but forward and using this technology to do things better and easier than ever before.

clsurz 06-24-2011 11:59 AM


Originally Posted by lue
Does it embroider? I'm looking for a light weight machine (I have a bulging disc and have been ordered to lift no more than 10 pounds) that sews AND embroiders for under $400. Any suggestions?

This machine is 17 lbs. It's not a mini machine and only 1/3 smaller in size than a regular sewing machine.

There is an embroidery foot for it but from what I read in the manual it is free motion embroidery and does not have a hoop like regular embroidery machines.

aronel 06-24-2011 11:59 AM

I have one also - you'll enjoy it. Light weight is the way to go for me as I have had many back surgeries, and have a weight limit.

Deborahlees 06-24-2011 12:02 PM


Originally Posted by clsurz

Originally Posted by lue
Does it embroider? I'm looking for a light weight machine (I have a bulging disc and have been ordered to lift no more than 10 pounds) that sews AND embroiders for under $400. Any suggestions?

This machine is 17 lbs. It's not a mini machine and only 1/3 smaller in size than a regular sewing machine.

There is an embroidery foot for it but from what I read in the manual it is free motion embroidery and does not have a hoop like regular embroidery machines.

Am going to be anxious to hear from you after a couple days of sewing on the machine....I may have to break down and get one also....

clsurz 06-24-2011 12:05 PM

This machine is a dream come true for me especially being a new sewer let alone a new quilter.

It is intiuitive for sure. If something goes wrong the machine stops itself and all you do is push a the start button and it goes again.

If you use different fabric types the machine knows it and adjust the speed for that particular piece preventing a problem with the machine and goes right back to the other fabric.

If something goes wrong with the bobbin it stops the machine and you can check it out. If the needle isn't in the right position or was and for whatever reason moves it stops the machine for you to check it out.

If you have thickness say on your seams it adjusts itself to pass over it without causing a problem.

All I can say is this is the best $239 I've ever spent and I buy all sorts of electronic and computerized toys. Really got more than my money's worth with this for sure.

For those of you thinking about getting it buy it from JoAnn's. It is the same exact bundle HSN and all other retailers are offering it for $400 plus. JoAnn's has it right now for $239.00 and for an extra $20 you can buy the tote bag to go with it. HSN wants $39 for the Bag.

sueisallaboutquilts 06-24-2011 12:19 PM

Carol, I'm so happy for you!!! I'm a machine nut and was really curious when you mentioned it.
If you want a noisy machine that would be my Kenmore 1040. I sewed on it for 25 years and didn't know they didn't all sound like that HA
My Dad bought it for me and it served me well. I could never part with it. It still runs but I've retired it :D:D

mile hi quilter 06-24-2011 12:23 PM

I am getting really tempted to buy one of these, like I need another machine.. LOL

makakehau 06-24-2011 12:30 PM

I too am intrigued by this machine. Hmmmm, and it's affordable.
I would love to test drive one.
Thanks for sharing your new machine.
Lori

ButtermilkMama 06-24-2011 12:51 PM

What the heck!!! As long as it works for you, why should I care what kind of machine you have or want!! Enjoy it!!!

LindaaJR 06-24-2011 12:53 PM


Originally Posted by Val in IN
I have a 1949 Featherweight, a Brother, a 1962 Singer Touch and Sew, a computerized EuroPro, and a serger. I don't see why I wouldn't like this little Singer too. Looks like it might be a really nice little machine. I think sometimes we might get a little narrow minded about things. We're all different with different tastes and needs.

I have a 1962 Singer Golden Touch and Sew and love it. I still use it for allmy blind hem sewing. I know my other machines can do it but I am positive my golden touch and sew can do it perfectly. Take care.
Linda

Deborahlees 06-24-2011 12:54 PM


Originally Posted by mile hi quilter
I am getting really tempted to buy one of these, like I need another machine.. LOL

Like that is the point of need......
it should only be what we WANT to have.....
kinda like window shopping.....

clsurz 06-24-2011 01:01 PM


Originally Posted by mile hi quilter
I am getting really tempted to buy one of these, like I need another machine.. LOL


You know you do need another machine.

I'm the same way with die cutting machines. Everytime a new model comes out I have to have another. :-)


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:06 PM.