There was a very recent thread on this same question. Go to SEARCH and put in Featherweight....you'll see many many responses to your question.

Two FWs here and love them both. Never even really heard of one till couple years ago and now, it is like, my FW connects me to my material. Although I have a few older machines, my FW is the one that travels with me. Used to take my little Brother with me but haven't even had that one out since acquireing my FW.

Once you sew on one, you'll understand. Heck...once you see one up close, you'll understand! I have three (and counting!).

I don't have one so I can't give input. However, there is a centennial FW listed on Bowling Green, KY craigslist for $200, no pictures though so don't know what kind of shape it is in. (Just in case someone is interested)

Its small enough to use on your coffee table and you can sew and watch TV with the family and everyone can actually hear the TV, its that quiet. Came home from the hospital, my hubby put it on my bed tray and I was off and sewing. Try doing that with a modern day monster.

Featherweight [literally], easy to use, easy to maintain. Travels well. Will even fit in your carry on luggage if desired.

It also has a good value retention. My daughter will inherit something worthwhile. So, it is also an investment.

ali

Amen to all of the above! And that's why I still use mine.

I have the "big sister" to the Featherweight, the 301a.
It is a strong machine and i love that it has a 1/4 inch mark on the plate. Girls just want to have fun!

I am "Featherweight" obsessed...my bablies were born from 1946 to 1953...each one is a little different in detail...

I just bought a white one last night, to add to my collection....I will pick her up next week...

I also have a 301A, which I also love because she was born the same year as me, 1958

I need help...I can't seem to stop...but I have to sell a couple soon....

I am out camping, this time I bought "Maggie" my FW. I have the DVD from RX FW called "those Fantastic Featherweights" on how to maintain your machine, so after watching it for the fourth time, I tackled the maintainance on Maggie..Oil, lube, clean, tension, put her back together, thread, bobbin...and I haven't been able to get this grin off my face since I started....made a little quilt from some receiving blankets I found..must have picked them up for a baby gift at some point...very strechy, got two blocks backwards on my pinwheel....but I am still grinnin from ear to ear...just nothing better!