I just got off the phone with my Mom. Come to find out my parents have been holding out on me. They have 4 Feather weight machines!!!!! I cannot believe all the talk that I do with my mother about sewing and she NEVER told me! They have 2 in the cabinets and 2 not. I am just baffled! So, she is going to call me later and let me know how old they are and if they are willing to part with one. :XD: She has one that is my step dad's great grandmother's, then one that was the lady that lived next door to them for years that died-she was in her 80's when she died. I am anxious to hear what the years are on these. They don't even know if they work!! Unbelievable! Find out something new every day. :shock:

Just make sure they know what they are worth...MIL had one and when she died FIL sold it. I didn't even ask what he got...I am sure he was happy with $35. Knowing him...

If they got rid of one it would be going to me. :thumbup: I did explain that some are very high up there. So, if something happens to them I hope they will go to me since my sister has NO CARE for things like these. I would love to find a place for them myself. :XD: Of course DH would not want them but sometimes he just doesn't get that option, we'll trade one of the kids for them. Just joking. ;-)

Chances are they are not holding out on you ... and like many others, will be wondering why you would have any interest in an "old" machine, instead of the new and better (allegedly) models on the market!

You've done your part to help them understand the value ... and your interest! Here's hoping they decide you should help rid them of the "junk"!!! :)

Good Luck!!!!!!!

They know they are worth something but they wanted them because they like older things like this. They love antique glass and things. My mom does sew on occassion. I miss her doing more home things. She's always tired now and doesn't feel well. I think I surprised them by asking about the machines. Had no clue that's what everyone was talking about. I knew mom had at least one machine that was in a cabinet but didn't know what it was. Should have known my parents would have something like this. LOL Yes, they should let me rid them of the "junk". LOL :)

Wow, that is great is she going to let you have any of them?

I think she's going to look at the two that they have that don't have the sentimental value to them. :) They have them put up and don't even know if they work. I wish they lived closer to me......I'm just itching to see all 4 of them! Can't believe they have had them all this time and I didn't realize really what they were.

It is my understanding that Featherweights did not come in cabinets but nevertheless, whether what your mother has are all featherweights or not they are certainly treasures and you are lucky to be able to get them. Maybe two featherweights and two other great old ones in cabinets.

Maybe....? I don't know. I shall see and trust me I'll share the info. You are probably right. The 2 that are not in cabinets hopefully are since that is what I would be getting. :)

Good luck!

They did make some really beautiful cabinets for featherweights. And you can buy plans to make a cabinet for one. However I have never seen an actual cabinet except on the internet.
Hope they will share at least one of the old sewing machines with you, and if it's a featherweight that would be marvelous. Let us know what happens.

wow, what a great discovery!

That's what I was thinking. ;)

Sounds great but are they all featherweights - some sound like treadles.

Awesome!!!! Best of luck to you.

I don't know. Actually I don't know the difference. LOL There are 2 that are not in cabinets and 2 that are. Two may be treadles.....?

Ok, So I talked to my mom just now. She said they have the two machines in the cabinets, they are both electric. She said that they had one that looked like a kid machine. My dad said no, it's not a kid machine just a small machine the lady did lots of sewing on making quilts and things. So, maybe just maybe this is a featherweight. He said he would bring it over when he came to town next. :) I can't wait. :) Mom is going to look for some #'s on them when she can. I am very excited. ;)

Ok, I talked to my mom and she gave me 2 #'s.

The bigger one was made in USA is dated 1851-1951 AK469484
The little one was made in Canada EM733376 there are other #'s like 33681 on the bottom, 99K, RFJ58

How do you know what they are?

Sadly they're not FW but one is an 99 which is great though, curious why one is viewed like a kid sized but sounds like an FW but isn't? Hmmmm. Go on the www.singer-featherweight.com/siteone%20pages/dating,hmtl to get the yr verification on fw's.

According to the Singer site, the one with the AK469484 number is a model 15. Although not as portable as the FW, either machine would be fantastic to own!

Oh, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the 99K! She's a beauty! Here are pictures of what they had.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-121268-1.htm#3192079