Either of the flip up beds are excellent buys, the 221 and the 301's. They both have interchangable bobbin parts as well. I've bought a few 301's trying to find a bobbin race to replace on one of my 221's but they are such excellent machines that I can never cannibalize them to fix the 221 :).

A friend of mine worked for Singer a long time ago and told me that the Featherweights were made for stewardesses so they could take them on flights-I have not looked up much background on the featherweights so all this info is interesting to me. I, too, would love to have one, but have settled for a 301a-absolutely love it (and my friend who worked for Singer said the 301 was a much better machine and that I had made a better buy with the 301).

I love my 301's, they are a great and strong machine. But there's nothing quite like sewing on those little 221 Featherweights. There's just something "special" about them. They're a very good strong machine as well. :)

if it is in the original case--google some info, copy a picture of a 221 Featherweight and carry it with you. they are very distinctive--once you have seen them. beware of any whitish
looking areas on the metal--aluminum rot. best not to purchase if you do not want to get into MAJOR redo. the tan
221's came in a two-tone tan case. white (celery) in a turq case. Educate yourself so you won't be fooled. good luck !

I think it more likely that the popularity of Featherweights came about when pro quilting teachers started carrying them on flights to classes. then the fever quickly spread to all of us.

My avitar is a Featherweight. To become familiar with what they look like, go to Ebay and search "Singer Featherweight 221". You will see lots of pics. My FW weighs about 11-12 pounds. I have a Singer 201 hand crank in a beautiful bentwood case, but it weighs about 30 pounds. Not exactly portable like the FW. Good luck! A FW is great fun to sew with - a great little machine!

Are you still standing there

The FW always came in the hard square case, unless it had no case when purchased used. My White/green FW did not have a case when I bought it and I bought a soft-sided case from a company I think was called S. Lyle and Company.

Thanks for all the info ... I'm going to sit back and get my education, before/if I decide to jump into FW-mania! :)

The more I learn now the better ... then if one that is in tip-top shape jumps out at me, then I'll know somewhat about what I am seeing and will feel better in making a decision.

Eyes and ears are open ... and ready to continue to learn!

Thanks everyone!

from what I have seen only the featherweight - a 221 or 222 and the 301 or 301A have a tilt up table.