Where did you finally find one?? I am really happy for you. I know you will love it. It is such a great little machine for classes too.

On EBAY. Have looked at a couple dozen and zeroed in on Sally Sue. My husband chipped in on the cost. It was more than I had hoped it would be but she is perfect for me. Been doing the happy dance all evening. Had been checking craig's list and the newspaper and was very disappointed. Only 2 machines and in very poor condition. Made sure to buy from a Top Rated Seller with 100% approval rating on ebay. Didn't want to risk having a problem.

Ebay is where I got mine, and was very pleased. You will have to post a photo, when you get her. Congrats.

Silly question: How do you pay when you buy on Ebay?

I use paypal. I signed up years ago. You can have paypal attached through your bank account or credit card.

With my credit card through PayPal. Has worked great for every purchase I have made.

With my credit card through PayPal. Has worked great for every purchase I have made.

Shaverg and ForrestHobbit - thanks for the info. I've just been a little concerned about on-line transactions. I've been looking for a FW so I can sign up for classes ... anybody know anyone who might have one for sale?

I have two featherweights. One is a 1951 and I use it daily, I have other machines but only use the featherweight. My friend services it for me. Just remember that these have metal gears and need grease along with oil. My first one was bought on Ebay and it came with the grease tube. I love it.

Found they were difficult to find in California. Ebay gave the best choice and I have had no problem using Paypal. Some have found them on craig's list. Why not start a new thread asking for information on machines possibly up for sale or trade?

Forest hobbit-
That's interesting! I bought my first featherweight on Ebay from California! I bid on it once and it didn't reach her reserve and went unsold. DH, an old hand at internet shopping, told me to wait and check back in to see if she listed it again. She did and that time added free shipping and handling. I won it the second time around. What a thrill - my one and only Ebay auction. Two years later, my DMinL gave me hers. So, I consider myself rich at this point.
lots2do (but not doing it now)

Found they were difficult to find in California. Ebay gave the best choice and I have had no problem using Paypal. Some have found them on craig's list. Why not start a new thread asking for information on machines possibly up for sale or trade?[/quote]

That's a good idea. I'll put that on the list of things to do - which may not happen for a while because the the list of things already in the works is suffering.
Thanks for the info. DI

Congrats ForestHobbit. Your first fw is always special.

I read many people saying that age doesn't matter...to me it does. The early fw's didn't have numbers on the tension dial, makes it a little frustrating to change the tension when needed. Also the bobbin thread guide is on the outside of the lower base.. I learned all this *after* I bought a fw and didn't think age mattered. haha I do like the chrome on the hand-wheel tho. :)

FH - I saw the fw that worked and then didn't work. I'm thinking they got in there to clean it and then bobbin finger fell out of place. Simple fix.

p.s. I live in Half Moon Bay now. I moved here in '06 from the Cambrian area of San Jose (by Leigh High School)

I was given a FW that smells bad. I took the oil pad out, made a new one with felt, that really helped the machine. The case though is still stinky. I researched and found a guy who after trying everything couldn't get the smell out so he took all the black "fake leather" or fabric or whatever they are covered in, off. He then bleached the wood, sanded and refinished the box. They were beautiful. I know the value may be less because it isn't original but the value won't be good anyway if they stink. At least it would be useable for yourself. I might end up doing that.

Roselady,

I've seen a refinished case and they are beautiful...the wood grain is nice. I like that it's unexpected. Everyone knows the shape of the case and believe me, all eyes are on the case wondering what's going to come out of it. Then when they see it's a fw everyone eww and ahhs over the machine AND case.

Cambrian huh? I live a couple of blocks from the Meridian-Branham Lane intersection. There is a quilt shop in the Cambrian Plaza now called Praire (sp) Queen Quilts. A very nice shop.

I lived in Half Moon Bay when I was in the second grade. We lived on Church St. right across from an elementary school.

When our granddaughter lived with us she attended Leigh High School before she moved back with her Mom.
Judy

Odor in Featherweight sewing machines - Just a quick reply.

ALL my little machines had mold. I sprayed the insides with
white vinegar. Let dry and spray again. Do that for about two weeks once or twice a day leaving the lid open and no more smell. A few days after that the vinegar smell will disappear as well.

I don't use the hard cases anymore. I buy small padded coolers to carry everything. I was always getting bonked and beaten up by carrying case trying to haul everything at once so
walking in Walmart one day I decided to measure for machine. Now have wheels and shoulder strap and fits to a T.

Have found my baby. She arrived a couple of days ago and she is so purty. Have been doing some google-ing on servicing and upkeep. Found these sites. Lots of information.

http://www.tandtrepair.com/221.html

http://singerfeatherweight221.blogspot.com/

http://singerfeatherweight221.blogspot.com/

When do we get to see her.