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My daughter had a Special Ed teacher in high school that I really didn't like. She heard I was a quilter and asked me if I was interested in a Featherweight that she didn't use. She gave me a pristine 1937. I liked her better after that and made her a quilt.

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Originally Posted by Synnove (Post 8704473)

Are featherweight sought after because they're portable? Or because they're antiques? Or . . . ?? Someone educate me, please.

Portability and a nice straight stitch make them desirable to quilters. I also think there is a bit of nostalgia as they remember moms/grandmothers using them. No plastic, easy to maintain.

I bought one for the light weight; it was a lot easier to take to sewing days with my guild. I never learned to love it, though, and sold it on FB marketplace. Replaced with a used Bernina 350 that I also found on FB Marketplace. Now that one, I love.

Quote:

Originally Posted by toverly (Post 8684605)

Lighting struck this past Saturday. $25.00 at a Garage Sale. When she sent me a photo. It is a white Featherweight in a Green case. Looks pristine like it has either been redone or never sewn on.

What a fantastic deal, especially for a green one!

Quote:

Originally Posted by peaceandjoy (Post 8704479)

I use mine for quilting bees days. My sewing room is upstairs and there is no way I can get a big machine in the Tutto downstairs alone. I have 2 FW's that I alternate using for sew days. They are so little and easy to move plus they have that beautiful straight stitch machine stitch and are pretty sturdy and able to sew thru layers with no problem. I do, however, love sewing on mine. I also have my mom's old 301 she bought in 1956 or 57. It has a beautiful straight stitch, but is somewhat heavier so harder to transport so it mostly stays home.

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Originally Posted by Onebyone (Post 8684613)

The 'white' or really celery green color ones were made in Canada I believe in the 60's. They have a smaller fold down table than the black ones. Has a different light bulb fitting and a different inside belt too that I was told if it breaks game over. It's nice to have one but I would suggest to get a black one if you plan on sewing with it a lot.

This is what I heard too. The solid state motor on certain models cannot be replaced. I understand some may even have been made in the United Kingdom.

I use my black Featherweight constantly. Out of all 3 if my machines, the Featherweight has the nicest stitch. My Sew and Vac had a quick sale for an elderly man that was liquidating his late wife's machines. $300 but came serviced and with a new pedal.

The white or light green FW's were made in Kilbowie Scotland. I've heard that they are mechanically a bit different than the other colors but I never heard that there is an internal belt that is irreplaceable. Where did you hear that?

Here is a link to the history from the FW shop on the “white” one. https://singer-featherweight.com/blo...herweight-221k

Quote:

Originally Posted by thimblebug6000 (Post 8704558)

Here is a link to the history from the FW shop on the “white” one. https://singer-featherweight.com/blo...herweight-221k

Thanks, Thimblebug. I've read that history. It's very informative.

I have two black ones. I have my mom's Centennial and a 1937 that I got at an auction for $75. Haven't used either one lately.

I love Featherweights...they're cute as a button and very portable. However, I sold mine and opted for a slightly larger, heavier, vintage machine that is still portable and easy to store. I found that my Featherweight tended to scoot around on my workspace while I was quilting. I don't go to any quilting guilds, or even leave the house with my machine, so it's a better option for me.