Ever NOT been able to 'relate' to a machine??
 

I'm curious if any of you have ever purchased a machine and then just not been able to really 'relate' to it? There are just certain things about the machine that you are just not happy with?? It is such a popular machine yet it just doesn't 'work' for you?? Has this ever happened to any of you??
Here's my story:
I'm feeling pretty bad about purchasing a Featherweight (FW) ... which I KNOW I can sell and recoup my money at any time... I thought this little machine (which is really a great little machine), would resolve several issues I have been having. It's tiny, lightweight, sews beautifully and is super super easy to take RVing and to quilt classes. What's Not to like???
I began upgrading my machines in 1998 to modern machines with lots of bells and whistles. The one thing I have always disliked was having a machine break down, give me problems, not work properly etc etc while trying to sew/quilt! I have now worked my way up to 2 top of the line machines with embroidery and enjoy them immensely!! However, as many of you know, they are quite heavy! I have a very bad back and wrists soooo the tiny FW seemed to be the perfect answer for me. I guess, I really wasn't prepared to step 'that far' back into sewing history! lol
While I seriously LOVE everything about this little machine for it's history, looks, portability, perfect little stitch (most of the time) etc.... I found that I really really missed all those bells and whistles! I missed my needle up/down, pivot, auto thread cutter, applique' stitches I could go on and on.... and I'm trying not to sound like a snob or a bragger here! I just realized that I had worked very hard to get to the top of the line machines and now I had taken a giant step backward! 79 years back in time!
So now my Wiser Self has learned, that although something can be just absolutely perfect for some people, it doesn't necessarily mean it's perfect for everyone.. No matter how popular something is, no matter how many people tell you that it's absolutely perfect for you.....it just might not work for you.
I have NO plans to sell my little FW at all! I feel honored to own a piece of sewing History! Hubby told me to keep her and take her along on the RV and see if it works for me in there, where I would only be piecing. Yep, He's a keeper for sure!!
Please sign me....
not bashing the featherweights at all, I still love them.... spoiled by modern machines amenities and can't do with out them

Sew Sincerely,
Sheriann

I have a white color FW and seldom use it. It sews great but I miss the features of my modern machines too much. I carry it as an extra machine to classes and workshops to have just in case. It has saved the day for many a class member when they realize they left their power cord at home. It is so cute I'll never sell it. It will go to my granddaughter.

Yes. I like my FW but don't love it. It's just too small for me to take seriously. I mostly use vintage machines except for embroidery. I found that I just don't bond with several models of vintage Singers, but others I love and won't part with.

Cari

I carry my little Featherweight with me in the travel trailer. I only use it for piecing, something it excels at. I don't consider it a replacement for my beloved Bernina 440 with its multitude of stitches, needle down, etc. I really don't have the space to quilt anything in my TT, just piece, so it works for me. If I have thought about doing anything other than piecing, I bite the bullet and bring the Bernina.

I find it hard to switch machines while piecing. Even though I carefully adjust both machines for what I think is exactly the same stitch width, there seems to be a small amount of variation that drives me nuts. For that reason I try to do smaller projects on the FW, something I can get done relatively quickly.

Pam

I too am totally 'spoilt' by modern technology :o I only started sewing/quilting a few years ago, so other than a vague memory of a treadle machine at school had no machine experience. I 'outgrew' my first couple of machines fairly quickly. As I learned more, I wanted to do more.

However these bells and whistles machines weigh a ton and I wanted something portable to take to class. Well.....I had no idea just how much I relied on them. I bought a lightweight model (Pfaff Passport) to take to class as the feet from my other machine would fit.

I nearly drove the other members mad as my machine constantly beeped as I tried to sew without putting the pressure foot down (my other machine could be described as a point and sew kinda machine, lol) and bemoaning the fact it didn't cut the thread or raise the foot automatically when you stopped.

Within a matter of weeks I sold it and put the money towards the next model up from my existing machine, and I now keep the other one at class - no more heavy lifting. We just did not get on and whilst some may think it's a lot of money to leave in a cupboard, for me, it was worth it.

Life is is short and if you can afford to do the things that bring you pleasure and make you happy, then do it.

BTW - I also have a white Featherweight - a beautiful adornment to my sewing room, bought long before I realised how much I enjoy technology!

Right tool for the use.... Love my FWs for piecing and other small work and taking to classes. TOL Brother combo machine from a few years ago for embroidery, garment sewing and a good deal of quilting (love the 10+" of space to the right of the needle). I have a few dozen machines dating from 1919 to 2008 and each is loved for it's talents. My favorite machine is a mid- 50's free arm Brother that just never complains about anything as long as I keep him oiled and lubed on a somewhat regular basis. My least favorite is a similar vintage Kenmore, it also never balks at anything, sews a beautiful stitch and for whatever reason I hate sewing on it. Use what makes you happy. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, you are different and your needs and wants are different. Enjoying what you do is what is important otherwise it's just work.

I collected vintage machines for years. At one point I had four featherweights, plus quite a few machines in cabinets. I finally realized that all I was doing with the cabinet machines was dusting them off regularly. I put an ad in the local paper and ended up selling all of the cabinet machines and three of the four FWs (most to a newly-bitten collector). I kept one FW, mostly for nostalgia value.

I realized that my "go to" machine was always my Bernina 1230. I preferred using it to all of the vintage machines, including the FW. At this point in my life, if I need a lightweight machine to take to classes, I will purchase one of the new lightweight machines (perhaps a Janome Gem) *after* trying it out and making sure I actually like sewing on it.

At my age I have accumulated wwwaaaayyyy too many things that I don't *love* and never use. I have decided it's better to keep only those things that really, really, really give me pleasure. All the other stuff is old luggage -- never actually pulled out and used.

I must say all of you are helping me to feel much better!! Maybe later on I will purchase a new lightweight machine to take quilt classes.However, I will definitely put a new one through its paces before purchasing anything else!!
Thank you sew much for your replies. ;)

i have a fw that i inherited. my grmother raised me, sewed my playclothes on this machine. it's straight stitch only of course, so after my son was born i bought a new machine. i need zz for his sweatshirts and other clothing styles i was making for him. i will never part w my fw, i carry it to my quilt group meets. i don't sew clothes anymore, i also don't do home dec stuff anymore, but before i had a modern machine my fw did draperies (even pinch pleats), upholstery, my clothes etc. i do use a few zz stitches, so my current 90's pfaff is a keeper. love my computer and ipad ..i'm very modern & techy according to my friends, but my sewing machine needs no bells and whistles. i could easily go back to just my fw for gen'l sewing again. it's handy, lightweight& i know from years of experience that it can handle about any project i want to do ..and it was grammas. it's a keeper.

I hated my mother's Featherweight. I would have gladly taken a sledge hammer to it. Today, I still won't use or buy one.

I'd rather have the old mechanical hot pink Riccar.

Sadly, yes. Not a featherweight, but the machine my mom bought me for my 18th birthday. We never bonded. I even stopped sewing for a time because it wasn't fun. I've had it for almost 50 years, but I'm giving it to my cousin next week. She found a good home for it and I hope the bonding experience happens. I too love my computerized machines with all the bells & whistles!

I think we are all spoiled by our modern computerized machines. But what a pain and expense those are when they break down. I've collected several Vintage Machines over the yrs obsessed with their look and how easy they are to maintain by just oiling/greasing, they never let you down. But like the rest you play for awhile and then they get stored away. Even found myself a great Treadle got it in working order and said "when we lose electric I can still sew. Well, we have and I haven't.
I will keep to display in my future "Dream Sewing Rm" in a hse we are designing to build next yr and maybe even turn them on once in awhile just to hear the sweet sound they all make. So diff then those modern machines.

I'm with you! I have 2 Berninas. Not top of the line, as I have no interest at all in embroidery and can't justify the cost of a newer model to get the BSR - the only thing I covet.

The problem with my beloved Berninas is that they are HEAVY. A metal machine is going to be. So I bought a very highly rated Janome Platinum Jem to take to classes, retreats and sew-ins. I had a Jem Gold that I quickly traded for the Platinum, hoping that having the better of the Jems would satisfy my desire for a computerized, lightweight machine.

I've used it a couple of times; it sits in a wheeled case, unused and unloved. I should do something with it, but do not have the box (how dopey was that?) and just haven't faced dealing with advertising, packing and shipping. :(

I don't think anyone buys a Featherweight nowadays to replace their main sewing horse, LOL! It's a novelty, and can be used to take places where you will only need to piece two layers of fabric together-- such as a class. If you are looking to bond with it further than that you will be disappointed, to be sure.

I have bought 3 FWs... one that runs on British current, for my daughter in England. She left it with her MIL when she and hubby moved to America. Then I bought two more, as I found them for very cheap. One is at my daughter's house where she lives now (in case she ever gets a 'wild hair' to sew), and one is here with me. I've used it a little but really enjoy just setting it up as a decoration more. I bought a wonderful Singer 301 which can take the place of the Featherweight as a portable to take to classes or wherever. With it's gear driven motor, it's a much stronger sewer than the FW, and it's slant needle and easy access bobbin are much more user-friendly. But it only weighs 5 lbs more than a FW! I love this machine. It sits in it's cabinet but can quickly and easily snap out to be carried around as a portable. To me, the 301s should be much more desired to collect than the FWs.

I also have a 1908 Singer model 66-1 treadle machine that I have TOTALLY bonded with! Everything on it moves with total precision (like a Swiss watch!) and the sounds it makes are soothing and hypnotizing. It will be the LAST machine I ever sell. Still, it's only a straight stitch machine with no reverse, so I do the majority of my quilting on my Juki 2010Q!

I pulled out my FW for a quilting get together about 10 years ago. I really missed the needle down, knee lift and zig zig stitch. When I first got the FW, I had such a cra**y machine, that I loved sewing on the FW at the time. If I that's all I had to work with, I'd certainly use it but I'm not ready to get rid of it yet.

I was one that was dying to have a FW!!! Finally got one for Christmas two years ago. Have used it twice!!! But I love looking at it so will keep it. Very interesting topic!! I thought I was the only one....

Maggie Sue, I thought I was the only one!!! LOL. It took a great deal of courage for me to post this! I Thought that no one would understand or feel the same way!!
Sounds silly but I do feel better about the whole thing!! I still love my FW and won't part with her but I am just more comfortable with my newer machines.
Thanks everyone
Sheriann

I have a FW but I rarely use it. I take it in the caravan and classes as well as my bernina 440nq. It sews beautifully and does all I ask.

I might be out of step. When I first decided to join a quilt group, I purchased a new machine. I hated everything about that machine and was happy to sell it for 1/3 of what I paid for it. Although I owned a FW, I purchased a 301A which I loved and used until I purchased a vintage New Home which was heavier (the built in handle made it easy to carry to class) and I liked this machine so much I purchased two more on eBay. Then I decided to purchase another new machine, this time I purchased a Janome New Home (with needle down, speed control, etc.) I used that machine for the better part of a year, but kept my vintage New Home in my car for backup. Recently I purchased a Viking 6430 (my all time favorite machine) and while it weighs a ton, this will be my primary machine -- no more resetting my machine every time I turn it on. I cannot help it -- I just love the unique personalities of my vintage machines.

I felt the same about my Mom's FW up until I've had to live here with my Mom and Dad. I've had to use the stupid thing. One of the things I learned along the way is that you have to be very careful to keep the bobbin thread out of the loop of the needle thread in the bobbin area when moving fabric in and out. It is VERY easy to do. Simply put the thread take up lever all the way to the top when you remove or add fabric every single time. It saves a lot of grief.

I have mixed feelings about my cute little featherweight. She is a beauty....but I relate to the technology of my Epic. I do not like the plain straight stitch. I have a tiny little brother to take to classes or in the RV. So, I clean her and admire her periodically...then put her in her box. Sometimes I think I should sell her to someone who will use her.

I also purchased a Featherweight also that never gets used. I don't mind old machines and absolutely love my trusty old Bernina 1030. It sews like a ballerina. I also have a modern machine(Janome Horizon) with all the bells and whistles that I don't exactly love but enjoy some of the features such as the automatic thread cutter.

I love using my FW! I will get it out to use unless I'm needing to do some fancy stitches. I use my Davis Vertical Feed treadle for sewing on bindings. The FW is so nice to take with me to guild, classes, etc.

The machine I don't like is my computer!!

Not too sure which bells and whistles you are missing. It is basically a piecing machine, attaching 2 pieces of fabric to each other, what bells would you need? A well balanced oiled machine that sews straight.

I'm happy with my 401 since the day I bought it. DH really likes using it. We had some major storms go through this week and the first thing DH did was to unplug the machines. He grew up with a 401 and a New Home treadle. He says it's like getting back on a bike. You don't forget how to ride. I have a 2662 and I like it also. It has a few bells and whistles but I don't need much.

I love my Featherweight for piecing, it makes such a beautiful straight stitch and it's easy to get an accurate quarter to much seam. However, I got a Singer 301 because everyone in the vintage world raved about it, but we never bonded, and I was happy to sell it. I love my fancy modern machine for all the bells and whistles, but sometimes mess a vintage machine is better for certain sewing jobs, especially the ruffler foot!

In that vein of thinking......why a car? The horse got us there, or why switch on a light just carry a candle...

we live in a world of bells/whistles...altho some have decided to eliminate as many as they have chosen to.
Or collected, and I am guilty of this, things that don't mean anything to others.........to each his own

I thank the original poster for this thread. I thought I was the only one who had to have that cute thing, until I got it and realized how much I really didn't need/want it's simplicity....
i finally sold it this last weekend at an indoor garage sale...did get my purchase price back...hopefully the new owner will use it...now back to my hobby with my choice if bells and whistles, just saying......

I bought a Featherweight with the same birth year as me for my birthday a couple of years ago. I got it serviced and kept it in its box in a closet. It doesn't have a knee lift like my Bernina.

Someone in my guild asked if anyone knew of one for sale. I sold it to her for the amount that I had in it. I immediately had seller's remorse.

Soon afterwards I bought another Featherweight that was born 22 days after me. This time I researched how to maintain, oil, and lubricate the thing myself. I spent a day doing that, sewed a block on it, and put it back in the closet.

This week I had a brilliant idea. I was piecing and needed some seams with light thread and some with dark thread. Instead of changing thread constantly, I set up my Featherweight with black thread and the Bernina with beige thread in an "L" shape. Now all I have to do is swivel my chair to change thread, and I get to look at the Featherweight cuteness all of the time. :)

I bought an Elna Supermatic mostly because I somehow ended up with a bunch of cams for decorative stitches. I tracked down a machine to go with it and thought, "Hoo wee, now I can sew all kinds of stitches!" Well, I have yet to figure out how to use the cams. I've completely lost interest, and it all sits in the closet. I hope someday to come across someone who knows this machine and would LOVE to have it, and that would make me feel better about moving it along...

I'd bought a Viking-back in '95. Wasn't liking how the 1/4" seam was, and other things. The salesman was not fun to deal with either. I traded it for a Pfaff 7500 series, and I love it! In later years, I've gotten a Featherweight, 301A, and a New Home treadle in a parlor cabinet. Still need to find some info on the NH, and learn to clean and service it, etc. I do enjoy the older machines for their great stitches!

Well, each to his or her own!
I just moved my Janome into a L shaped setup in the corner for easier quilting. Now I can't look out the window so have decided to set the FW up facing the window for piecing. Best of both worlds, as far as I'm concerned. And that F W is just so darn cute.

My mechanical Bernina hardly gets used any more but both of my Berninas were born in the 90s so they don't have all the latest gizmos because I have never felt I needed a thread cutter or a laser light. I think you are lucky to have a featherweight that is easy to transported to classes and in traveling in your RV. :)

"Each to his own" the old lady said as she kissed the cow!

My MIL had a Singer featherweight that she absolutely hated and never used if she could help it! When it became mine it had the first bobbin full of thread ever inserted in it-yes, 30+ years old and brand new. I had it reconditioned by a technician because of sitting so long without use. I love it for what it does-easy to carry places (classes and camper). I piece with it and love the stitch and accuracy. When I am at home I enjoy the technology in my BERNINA machines which I use to piece, craft, and quilt. I also have a Singer 401A that I bought new in 1959 and love to use it-for what it does.

I bought a nine-year old, never used Singer to take to classes, etc. because it was very light (meant to replace the FW). However, it made so much noise that even after having it serviced, I didn't like using it. Now it lives at someone else's house for me to use when I'm there. Back to the 1949 FW for portability.

My piecing machine is a 1995 mechanical Bernina 930 Record which absolutely hums along; I FMQ small quilts on a Juki 2010Q and I have a Pfaff Grand Quilter on an Inspira frame for the larger quilts. Each has it uses and does their job beautifully.

I'm really enjoying hearing everyone's responses. I do plan to keep my little FW jewel and use her in the RV for piecing. Perhaps we will bond eventually and she will become a go to machine for classes too. But for now I am looking forward to working on my newer machines. Thank you all for sharing your experiences with me. It's nice to know it is not just me and to those who sew on Vintage machines thank you for sharing how much you love them.

I can identify with that. I used a computer at work for years and I love to get away from it whenever I can and just sew and relax.

Back when I'd put my entire sewing room into storage to sell the house I didn't realize it would take 3 years to sell due to the selling market at the time. So went out to purchase another simple machine and found a Janome one with the basic stitches plus the fancy stitches. Never could get the feel for it though it should have been a good machine. I finally gave it away to a friend that was looking into buying a machine. She in turn gave it to the fellow I'm teaching about making a quilt. He couldn't seem to get the hang of it either. Now I wanted a simple machine I could add borders and binding to my larger quilts, one I could set on one end of my cutting table and then move to the floor when I needed the entire cutting table to trim the quilt. I love this machine, a Brother XR3140 with a table. I haven't gone back to my old faithful D1 since. I liked it so much I ordered another one for the fellow I'm teaching. He loves his too so I guess I got lucky here and plus spent less than $200 for each of them. The Janome is back in its box in a corner.....forgotten.

OH MY GOSH. Add me to the list of "I thought I was the only one" folks! I finally broke down and bought a Featherweight a couple of years ago, from someone that I know, who claims to be a restoration expert. Well, I think she figured that because she gave me a little better price than some of the other Featherweights she has sold, she didn't have to touch this machine. Because I see her all the time, I just didn't feel comfortable backing out of the transaction (my fault totally). Anyway, I ended up with this stinky awful disgusting scratched up mess of a machine. I have put hours and hours of time into it myself, reading every single restoration article online (or so it seems). I still have the god-awful case for it wrapped up in trash bags in my basement, because the stench is so overwhelming I can't have it inside my condo or the whole place stinks.

Anyway, because of all of the above, I really just have not "bonded" with that Featherweight. I think I might resent it a little....LOL... not really but who knows?! Every once in a while I take her out and do a little piecing on her, just so she doesn't feel bad. :)