I really love my FW's They are so easy to care for and tote to class . I highly suggest if you get a FW get either the book or DVD those fantastic featherweights by David R. McCallum, I got both and really glad I did, if I do not "get it" reading the book I can see it on the DVD, so which ever way is best for you. The cost of both, are what I would have paid for one trip to the shop to get what ever done. I have fixed one or more of my machines with the book or DVD and saved my self some money. these machines were made so women could care for them self's. I am with out a doubt the least mechanical person ever, and even I can do any thing with my machine's now to fix them. So what ever you decide good luck and hope you get the machine that is best for you.

It's also Singer's first Slant-O-Matic machine. This alone makes it no big sister to a featherweight. The only thing they have in common is the bobbin and case. The 301 requires totally different feet and accessories than the FW. The 301 is a strong, gear driven machine. The FW drives with a little belt. I love my 301s. My featherweight... less so.

I too really like the Jem Gold for classes/travel. If you use the clearview 1/4" foot with that machine, you will find it covers the dogs well and you will get an easy, perfect 1/4" seam. The straight stitches are as arrow straight as those of the featherweight. That foot makes a world of difference and I have it for each of my Janomes. The Jem Gold is well-made inside and out and actually has a 1 amp motor. I liked mine so much I bought the HD 3000 for a bit more versatility and it is now my go-to machine. The FW is also great and I do have one of those too. I don't use it as much as the others. All are really great. I do also concur with the merits of the 301.. offers a little more room too and not much heavier than the FW. For just piecing, Brother offers some nice little machines with more stitch offerings than the Jem Gold and those are popular too for a couple hundred (could be more now).

Has anyone mentioned Eversewn? I don't have one but have heard good things about them.

I would go with the Featherweight over the Bernette. I have heard Eversewn also have good reputations, even on the low end.

.I have a Brother Simplicity that is very light weight and has needle up/down, speed control and plenty of stitch settings--and a very accurate 1/4" seam(a flanged foot) plus an extension table. Price was about 1/2 of the FW in my area at time I purchased.

I have the Eversewn 30. Great machine for the price. It sews as nice as my older Bernina and has more features.

My travel machine is my feather weight, hands down. When I go to retreats, not this year, I plan on piecing. I keep the quilting for my larger, heavier and better for quilting for home. Oh, I could straight line quilt with my FW, but I seldom do because of its small size, harp. I do have a smaller Viking that I used to haul around that would do everything, but as time passes and old bones, shoulders and knees speak louder to me, I leave even that one home and stick with the FW. I always get good accurate and consistent results with the FW. Why buy another machine? I use what I have at hand. Happy machine hunting, Dawn V!

I love my Featherweight for classes. I have 2 because I couldn’t resist buying the second one. She is Red, my favorite color and 1941 just like me! Her name is Ruby! My other one is black and her name is Aunt Gertie because she reminds me of watching my favorite sew. I have a small Janine that goes to class sometimes but not as often. My sewing room favorites are a Bernina and a Viking. I love sewing machines and hopefully will not buy any more.

I always take my FW when going to retreats, sewdays, or classes for a back up machine. It has saved the day for me and many others. Someone forgets the power cord, machine locks up, tension goes crazy, it's okay, I have the FW to the rescue.