On my way to work this AM, had to turn around and grab hubby to carry home something from a dumpster - a beautiful old sewing machine. It is in a sewing table whose veneer is blistered and peeling. But when I opened the lid and saw the machine, I wondered if it might be a Featherweight.

Upon researching, I think it is actually a model 66-16, which from what I can tell predates the Featherweight. It seems like it was made in Elizabeth NJ USA in 1930. It is electric.

I took some pics, but didn't have time to download them as I already was half an hour late getting to work, becuase of my stop.

I can't wait to get home tonight (10PM!), and verify what I think I have found with my research.

I tried to explain to hubby why it would be so cool to have, even if it wasn't a Featherweight, and it doesn't work, how it would be great decor if nothing else. He didn't understand (but sweetie carried it anyway!). As he was carrying, he said it didn't feel like a Featherweight - he guessed about 35 pounds. But don't know how much of that was the cabinet.

I will post pics tomorrow, and links to where I found info, so ya'll can help me be sure I am thinking correctly about what it is.

Good for you, saving the poor dear from the dumpster. What a sad fate for a machine that could be revived. Can't wait to see your pictures.

Oh how exciting :shock: :lol: Can't wait to see pics

Can't w see the pics tonight?,lol!! I'll be drooling on my pillow as I sleep tonight!!

How would you describe to someone (hubby) how great a find an old machine (especially if it had turned out to be a Featherweight) would be?

I told him if a quilter to could have a dream come true, only one thing, this would be it. Even if it didn't work.

What could you compare it to?

Awesome find! Ironically that is just where my hubby found my first featherweight...at the transfer station waiting to be crushed! I had just become interested in quilting and had mentioned that it was the ultimate dream machine of quilters. He saw the case perched on the brink of extinction, peeked in and saw it...brought it home soooo pleased with himself. Gotta love the man!
How do you explain it to DH??? Guess it depend on what makes his heart go pitter pat. ;-)

Can't wait to see pics of your new rescue baby. How exciting!

I am soooo excited for you :D:D:D

Don't you just love other people's "trash!" Way to go!

What a great guy! If he finds another can I have it?

Like for the lady with the Singer, a great way to display a small quilt draped over it!

:thumbup:

Sweet, I have yet to find a sewing machine in the trash (notorious gleaner) but I have scored a few sewing machine cabinets and sold them and bought machines with the money. And I found 2 full rolls of upholstery material had to be 25 or so yards on them each, and designer fabric! My neighborhood throws away good stuff!

Billy

Wow! You are a star at recycling! :thumbup:

No Brittany is that, you should see the stuff that kid has brought over for the "Green Quilting " business.

Billy

Would love to find something like that in a dumpster.
You are so lucky
Looking forward to seeing pictures.

I believe you can get on the Singer site and enter the model number and find out what you have.I don't have the web address but I'll bet someone on this site will have it.

Here is the Singer Site :
http://www.singerco.com/support/serial_numbers.html
Hope this helps you

Tell your hubby it's like finding a '57 chevy parked alongside the road with only a little superficial rust.. and a couple of tears in the upholstery and a something minor wrong with the engine.. then finding a note saying.. keys are in her.. if you can get her running she's yours. He'll understand then.

Picture?

Perfect! :thumbup:

Waiting to see a picture. I have rescued several machines from the curb! Then I have recycled them to people who want to just sew. Don't know what they have done with them, but I did my part.

Can't wait to see also.

I can't wait to see a pic. Great job on rescuing her.

See the pics here:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-42596-1.htm#957550

Great find indeed!!! It shouldnt take much to get it up and going in no time!!!!

Billy

How wonderful.

Okay, I have been reading about these Featherweight Machines. What is a Featherweight Machine? Please let me know. Thanks, Sally

wow that is a great find, im going to have to re route my walks in the afternoon so that i go by a dumpster or 2 maybe i will get lucky and find a treasure!!

My dumpster diving just hasn't been that profitable. Once my dad found a bunch of gold jewelry in a dumpster. Real gold. Mom and I picked out several pairs of earrings for ourselves and then donated the rest to Goodwill or Salvation Army.

what a great find, find out who makes the model and call them, they will tell you exactly what you have. Penny

Er, just what were y'all doing in that ol' dumpster anyway girl??