Do I need a Featherweight?
 

I own 4 sewing machines, a model 66 Singer treadle machine, an Elna Quilter's Dream, a 301A Singer and a Singer Touch n Sew.

I need to know what benefit it would be to purchase a FW? As you can probably tell I am trying to convince myself that I need to have one.

I have been sewing quilts for 12 years now, don't do my own quilting on larger pieces, don't have room for a long arm quilting machine, I use all my machines.

Any suggestions?

Do you need? No. A 301 is basically the same, except it's a touch heavier and can drop the feed dogs. Do you want is a totally different subject.

I thought I had to have one, and got one. I have yet to sew on it. I sew on my old Touch n' sew I've had for ages. Since it was new. I guess it is over 50 yrs. old.

I got my Touch n Sew in 1972, husband got it overseas, it has been a great machine. My daughter had it for a few years and then gave it back to me, now it gets used every week at our church quilting sessions.

I love my 301A, and I guess I don't really NEED another machine, it would be a status symbol...and who can afford that?

I need all 4 of mine!:o They are just so cute! I don't use them all the time, but when I'm sewing something that has to be super accurate I use a featherweight. You can't beat the nice straight stitch. I also have other old Singers and I like to use them all from time to time.:thumbup:

Mine stays in it's rolling carrying case and goes with me to my Guild meetings, sit and sew and retreats. I love it!

Need is subjective. With your other machines I wouldn't say it's a need, but if you want one and have some spare cash why not? I have been using mine happily the last few weeks. It's super quiet and takes up a tiny bit of space on my table.

Agreed. I don't think need has as much to do with it as want. :) That said, I really like my FW. (I wanted it so I got it.)

I borrowed my mother in laws featherweight a few years ago with the idea that I would take it to guild meetings. I spent more time trying to figure out if I had it threaded right. It was rather slow sewing compared to what I was use to. I have an extra heavier machine to pack around, and as long as I can, I will use that. It was a good lesson for me before I went out and spent the money on one. What do you want it for? If it was the ease of carrying and then see if you can sew on one before you make the purchase.

I love mine. I have several machines, also, but I do most of my piecing on my Featherweight.

I love mine - it's so darn cute. I bought a new foot control and power cord for it, but I have yet to use it, much. I haven't even taken her picture and I've had her for months, now. Did I need one? Nawwwww....

Still, she'll be one of the last to go as I start finding new homes for the herd. They are adorable decorations, even if you rarely use them. And I might take another class, someday. :)

Everyone I know that has one and brings it to retreats and meetings and so forth, just loves them. I got to sew on one for a few minutes at a retreat and just loved it..been looking ever since. I have been watching Utube videos on oiling and threading and and... oh wait I was supposed to be talking you OUT of one..sorry, I want one too! The only thing holding me back is thinking of how much fabric I could buy with the price of the machine plus service that would need to happen. That's the only thing that keeps me from buying one. Good luck!

I didn't actually need mine. It was my sixth machine. But it is oh so cute and I do enjoy sewing on it.

Need one? NO! Want one! Heck yeah! I LOVE my Featherweight. BTW, I have 6 sewing machines.

I use mine primarily for classes. A friend found it for me and I paid a VERY low price for mine. I then made a baby quilt for his new baby on that as a thank you as well. Sometimes I'll use mine when I notice something not quite right on a sandwiched quilt and need to do a quick repair. It's easier to move it closer to the WIP than ripping more than needed to do the fix. Just a thought. But I'd NEVER pay some of the prices I've seen for them. I paid $40 for mine. Probably wouldn't pay too much more than that for any vintage machine. I paid $50 for my electrified redeye a few months back. Don't believe in paying alot for vintage machines...way too many of them out there in this neck of the woods.

I have a FW when I found the perfect price -Free! I wanted one to save for my only grand daughter. A lady had four and was downsizing and she gave me one, the white color FeatherWeight! I use it to piece. I also have the 301 and it is a much better machine as far as heavy duty and for machine quilting. It's light enough to take to classes and it has a handle, the FW does not.

Do i need chocolate... no, but i want it.
same for a fw. Sometimes, you just gotta go with what the heart wants.

I bought one when I first started quilting. I had a old Kenmore that I had used for garment sewing. As the years went by I purchased a Janome MC 6600 and was given a small travel Janome that was barely used. The Kemore died a dignified death from prolly being overworked.

I just sold the FW as it sat on a shelf for 2 years---untouched. I live in a smallish house with my DH and just do not want to be a collector of sewing machines. The lady I sold it to uses it ALL the time and loves it. Everyone is happy.

I didn't 'need' a FW but I sure wanted one. I fought the urge for a few years than stumbled on one at a quilt shop a couple of years ago. I love it! It's great for traveling and classes and sews like a dream.

Love my FW and use it all the time. Also have 2 newer Kenmores, a 301, and a number of older Singers (403, rocketeer, etc.) and still use the FW. Beautiful stitch, easy to carry around and just simple to use.

I think everyone should have a featherweight :-)

I agree, that it would be fun for you to have a Featherweight! I love mine! :)

I have three. One for the house, one to take to Retreats, etc. And one I have torn completely and plan to repaint it baby pink. I can't afford one of those already done! I used to sew on a Janome and have a Viking SE that you can do anything on and it sews good but, to me the FW sews the straightest and prettiest stiches. I'm giving my Janome to my granddaughter and I sew on the FW every day I piece a quilt. I absolutely love the way it sounds. Not one piece of plastic in it!

I have 5 machines and a serger. 1 of the 5 is a digital that does LOADS of fancy stitches. 1 is a new Brother that has fancy stitches, is computerized and embroiders as well as sews. 1 is a 1972 Singer Touch and Sew in original cabinet, with all the attachments. 1 is a 1917 Singer model 66 "Red-Eye" treadle in original cabinet with all the attachments. The last is my 1949 FW. Of all the machines, it is my favorite to piece on and invaluable for taking to classes or toting downstairs to piece on a folding table in front of the TV during football season. I love all my machines for different reasons, but NOTHING tops the FW for the perfect straight stitch, the lightness, and the ease of maintenance. Am I done collecting machines??? No, I still want the 301 for FMQ! After I get that one, I MIGHT be done....but maybe NOT:D

I've had my FW since 1968 when parents gave it to me for Christmas. It was used and they paid $50 at $10/week. I have a Brother and a Babylock and go to the FW when I have thick seams on purses that the others won't sew through. If you can get it under the presser foot the FW will sew through it. I sewed my wedding dress on it and have made upholstery for 2 antique cars with it also. Very versatile machine.

I have enough fabric to start my own small quilt shop, trying to sew it all up...never will happen! I guess if I find a good deal then I may just do it!

I have a 301A and I love it, goes to church quilting every Tuesday, my workhorse!

You need a featherweight! That's my story and I'm stickin to it. (I have two)

Oh my goodness, what a can of worms for me....LOL! I had to stop looking at all the new machines to come out or I would convince myself I needed it........When I read all the chatter about featherweights, just had to have one of those too. I own 6 machines and still use primarily my Viking. I am not prejudiced to one brand or another, if it has something mine doesnt I just gotta have it. LOL...that is how it used to be anyway. I believe I have finally broke that train of thought....my point is, if you KNOW you are going to REALLY use it that is one thing, if you want it to have it then no.
Happy sewing!!!

Ditto on that, I have two:)

I bought one and haven't used it at all. I use my Janome all the time. I like having it but really can't see the point of using a machine that goes foraward and backward when I have a machine with needle up and down, automatic thread cutting etc. If you want one because they're cute then go for it but you don't need it.

Since you have a 301, you don't "need" a FW. However, since you want one, keep your eyes open for a real bargain, enjoy the hunt, and someday one will come your way!

Dayle

P.S. I have 2 Fw's right now and 2 301's. I like to find them at cheap prices, clean them, use them for awhile, and then pass them on, always keeping at least one of each. The smell of sewing machine oil reminds me of my dad (farmer), and old sewing machines remind me of my grandmothers, so it is all a sweet experience!

I love to take mine along for sisters' quilting weekends or retreats. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of my Berninas, but is very portable.

Same here - mine goes to all the guild sews and retreats. But in between, I also sew on it. It is handy if I want to take it to the family room and sew while watching TV or talking to DH. I love my FW!

No, you don't "need" a FW, but they sure are nice to have, espeically for taking to class...so go ahead, jump in...why not???

I wanted just one! I got a 1947 black one. I had really wanted a white one but couldn't find any for sale. Then, presto! I found a white on on the Shop Goodwill website and bought it. Well, then I went to a workshop where the instructor said, "How cool is it to own a FW born the same year you were!" <sigh> I started searching again. I found a 1949 black one on ebay and won the bid. I knew I was satisfied then. But......then, there was a 1951
Centennial on ebay late one night going for a good price. I thought that was pretty neat to see the 100th anniversary addition, so I bought it. I was so happy to have my little collection. I lusted over the 222 ones from a distance but knew I could never afford one....until my mother in law passed away and left me some money. Got the 222 from London, England. I do believe I am finished.....unless.....I find a tan one for a good price.
This being all said, I have to add that I sew on them all. I take one and then another to workshops where only straight sewing is required. I have all the attachments and am learning to use those as well. They have awesome power and never balk at a double seam. They're easy to use and maintain and besides...they're just too darned cute!

I didn't NEED one, but now I have THREE!! Yep, count 'em - THREE! I use them all. Don't ask why I have them, just lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. They were all gifts, one from a dear friend, one from my mom and one from my mil. I love every one and proudly display them when not in use. I've made up clear dust covers so when not in use, I can look over and see them - they make me smile!

They are SOOO cute and powerful. I wanted one so bad and diligently watched Craigslist. Finally one late night last year right before Christmas one appeared for 200 dollars. It must have been just for me because the guy selling it was in a town we were going to be traveling through that morning. I met him with fabric, thread and power cords, I tried it out and it wasn't working great so I got it for 50 dollars. Took it home, cleaned it up and made minor adjustments and it works and looks like new. Did I need it? No. Did I want it? Oh yeah. And I love it.