Very new to quilting. Really stupid question. Other than they are antiques and I know some people really get into antiques, what is the deal with the featherweights? You guys seem to not only want to collect them, but you use them??? What is the advantage over a modern machine? Guess I am asking - what is the big deal? :D

They are light weight, extremely portable
They sew a beautiful, straight stitch
And they are so darn cute :D:D:D

They purr like a kitten, work like a horse, and of course as Amma stated they are just so darn cute.

There purdy! :D

I chuckle everytime I see this question cause I asked the very same question. I am now the proud owner of a featherweight. Careful, you too may catch FW fever. LOL

Virgwid...

for those of us who have at least one computerized machine, the featherweight is simplicity. It sews a true straight seam, small/lightweight for portability to classes, simple maintainance. I sewed on one when I first learned to sew in Jr. High school ... long time ago. I now have two computerized embroidery machines with more fancy built-in stitches than I can find a use for and love them for what they can do, but the featherweight is a trip down memory lane. A FW is an excellent machine for a newbie quilter with little or no sewing experience. There's no special tricks to learn. It was probably the best idea Singer ever came up with. The new models are a different breed. They are made in Japan and not nearly the quality workmanship one would expect from Singer. Too bad they didn't stick with the original model.

Best straight stitch ever, easy to use, easy to carry and just so darn cute. I have two.

Light weight and cute to boot,

What's not to love! Cute, handy, dependable, etc., etc., etc.,...

And most servicing can be done by the owner. The little manual even show how to do some of that basic maintenance.