I've got 3 featherweights. I've only had them a short time, but I sew on two of them. The third needs to be serviced. I'm going to eventually follow Billy's tutorial on how to service it and then I will have three working ones and will probably use all three of them until such time as I decide to sell one to pay for having another repainted. I love, love, love them. They are great machines to sew on.

I agree!! What a wonderful post !!! :D
We are kindred spirits with all the quilters before us :)
I'm lovin my new Featherweight!! Didn't know I needed one till I found this board LOL

My brother inherited my grandmother's beautiful old treadle. It currently lives in a climate controlled storage locker in Fl. He's in the Air Force. I keep trying to convince him we (the treadle and me)would be happier if she lived with me. Just think of all the freight costs saved when he moves. He's not budging, and I can't convince him. yet! I'm still trying. Say your prayers and keep your fingers crossed. Maybe he'll change his mind.

I just think they are so PRETTY!!!!!!! And they usually sew like a dream!

To Suzan- In Delaware

Tell him that climate control is no way to keep a beautiful, useful piece of history. It screams to be used, and it is better for it to be used than to sit in a dark, warm room with noone to lovingly touch and use it. The oils dry up and the areas that need greasing get gummy. Can he sew from the AFB he is at? I think not. As long as it's still in the family what difference does it make who's house it is at. Besides is he a sewer? These machines are usually passed to a daughter not a son. No disrespect intended just seems a crime to keep it in the dark.
Good luck talking him into giving it up.
Faith :XD:

I don't understand why he inherited it instead of you but I REALLY don't understand why he won't budge??? Wow

I can't figure out how to reply to to posts at once, so I'll do it this way. To the 2 ladies before. He inherited because he's 13 years younger than me, He's also my father's only natural child.(Stepdad adopted me). I already had a house and family. My parents wanted to take care of him. He got their house with everything inside. I keep telling him I feel about the sewing machine like he feels about our dad's tools. I work on him, and say prayers. One day she'll be mine.

My DD has my mother's White treadle that I learned to sew on. She also has my 301 bought in 1958 to make clothes for her. DH says it's the best investment he ever made. I used it until the 80's when I bought my 1st Pfaff. I use the 301 when I'm visiting and need to do repairs. It has the prettiest straight stitch I've ever seen. I love my big Pfaff. It will sew anything! I don't collect old ones. I have a little Janome for classes and a serger.

I take my FW to workshops and use it alot! The older machines do not have electronic stuff to go haywire, and they are consistently dependable. And I can tinker with it if I DO have a problem. There is no way I will tinker with my Janome!

I also have a treadle that I haven't used for quite a while, and a couple older machines in a closet.

I have a pair of Featherweights that are used for classes and all of my quilt piecing. Also have a pair of treadles that need a LOT of work before they can be used.