I just recently started thinking seriously about going to a quilting retreat in NC this October. If timing (and finances) work out, either my DH would drive with me or I'd fly by myself. Driving would take much longer but I like traveling with DH and it's in the Smokies so a great place to visit in the fall. If flying, I'm not sure what machine I could take. I saw an craigslist ad yesterday for a "old black Singer" for very cheap and requested further info and a picture. She replied this morning and it looks like a featherweight to me. It needs work but she thought it was fixable. She said it was heavy but that's relative, right? Anyway, she decided she'd give it to me. I'm leaving to pick it up in about an hour (maybe 25-30 miles from home). Wish me luck that 1) it's a featherweight and 2) if so, fixable.

Best of luck!!
That retreat sounds awesome too!!!!!!!!!
Be sure to let us know about the machine :D

I think it's great that you're getting the old machine. However, it is not likely to be a featherweight if it's heavy. A featherweight can be easily lifted in one hand and does not feel heavy at all. Most other old Singers *are* quite heavy.

Ooooo a retreat AND a new machine :D:D:D Lucky You!!

I totally agree!

As for mode of transportation, definitely you should drive because then you wouldn't have to worry about what tools/fabric/machine you should/shouldn't bring on the airplane.

Retreats are a blast, I've been on lots of them. Some people stay up most of the night, some crash early, some are early risers, some like to go shopping at local quilt shops but the one thing everyone will have in common is that you will eat a ton (quilters bring waaaaaay too many snacks to share) and you will do so much smiling and laughing that you'll come home with a sore face from it! I really hope you can make it happen! :)

Have a wonderful time. The best of luck to you!!

if it's heavy....can't be a FW. They're smaller and portable in their own case. But you may very well have a good machine, regardless. Ask Lostn51 for help when you get it.

I definitely recommend attending a quilting retreat. They are so much fun.

Good luck!

The machine you're looking at may be a 99K. It's sometimes mistaken for a FW because the machine head is also 3/4 size. But the FW weighs in at about 14 lbs in the case. The 99K weighs in at 24 lbs. Same size, but big difference if you're lugging it around. On the other hand, the 99K has the same get straight stitch and reliablity. Good luck! The retreat sounds wonderful.

It is a 99K. Oh well, the price was right---free. Overall looks good but definitely needs some TLC. I'm going to start with some machine oil and getting dust in the case out, then I'll see if it works.

As far as the retreat, I'd prefer driving w/ DH. It's about 1250 miles from home but we'll need to leave directly from a wedding we're attending the weekend before, so it'll be almost 1400 miles (3 1/2 days because we like a fairly leisurely pace). I will plan to look up some quilt shops along our route too. Because the retreat will be the primary reason behind the trip, DH won't be able to complain about those stops. Truthfully, he is usually very accommodating to my stops if I don't do too many.

Where in NC is the retreat?

Ginny, guess what? There is a 99 right now on ebay at over 100.00 and it hasn't ended yet.
I'm so happy for you!! :D

I'm so excited for you. I can't wait to see the new machine too.

99k are great machine and it's even better that it was free!
Have fun with it and pls post picture of it !

The far Western part of North Carolina is absolutely beautiful in October. On the Tennessee side, the colors usually peak in the last 10 days of October -- a little earlier on the NC side. If you have the time, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway - at least the part in NC. It is fantastic.

I have a Featherweight and love it but prefer to travel with my Gem Gold which is a light Janome. I think the latest are called something else. I have had mine for some years. Love the 1/4 inch foot on it as it has the side piece that sticks up and keeps you from messing up. Have fun at your retreat. Maybe you could rent a machine.

Wouldn't that be lovely if you could make it?

Hope everything works out.

That's exactly what I did when I inherited my mom's machine. I soaked it with oil. She hadn't used it in years and the whole machine was really sad. With a bit of elbow grease and a lot of patience, the machine purrs like a kitten...LOL.

She's not purring yet. Lots of rust but she's well oiled. I decided to name her Clara after the lady who gave her to me.

Ginny, thanks for keeping us posted! That's a beauty!! Have fun with her :D

Congratulations, Ginny. I know she's no lightweight, but you're going fall in love when you see that straight stitch and how untempermental she is. Hope you have a long and happy sewing life together. Glad she's got a good home!