Many featherwieghts have buttonholers but they were not originally issued with the machine. Buttonholers were sold as an extra attachment and will fit on many short shank machines. The ancient old Buttonholer that came with my featherweight will even fit on my Janome 6500 and still makes perfect buttonholes everytime. There are also other attachments that will fit your featherweight and were sold separately. I have a zigzagger that attaches in the same manner as my buttonholer. These attachments were popular with featherweight owners as a featherweights would just straight stitch and many original owners were using their machines to make clothes for their family.

I know just how you feel. I got mine at a flea market for $175 with the case and quite a few feet. It had been well used but still has the decals. It cost me a $2.98 for a new tension spring. Now it goes to all my quilting classes and I LOVE IT!! Congrats to you, you're gonna love your new baby! You got a GREAT deal on your machine.

Lucky you! Congrats!

You got a great deal - enjoy your new little beauty!

IF it "purrs" like mine (1947), then a few dings and that price is worth it! Why can't they make the new ones like in the olden days?

What is a featherweight (brand?) and why is it so great?

Go to search and put in Featherweight. You will get many pictures and comments on them.

OK I posted pictures in the pictures section here:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-79603-1.htm

I just took a look at your new baby! I think you got a good deal. Have you tried her out yet?

I tried it at the shop just a little bit. It sewed beautifully! And it's very quiet too.