I have my grandmother's FW, purchased new in the early '30s. It was my favorite machine for everything...until I found my Elna Supermatic. Much easier to piece on, has it's own table (the case unfolds to be the table), and uses cams for a variety of stitches. I hate to admit it, but I much prefer the Elna!

I love my FW and do much of my piecing on it, especially smaller projects. But I probably wouldn't take it to a class - I'd worry about it getting damaged, and its simplicity and lack of features would be a disadvantage for some classes. I don't often do classes, but when I do I take my Janome 4800 - a bit heavy to carry, but not too bad, and then I've got all the features I could need (except free motion quilting, for which that machine is a lemon, but that's another story...).

Love my FW and use it all the time. At home and for classes. I also have 2 top of the line electronic machines (kenmore-made by New Home), and a selection of older Singer machines. Can't beat the stitch it makes and it is perfect for classes.

Interesting points. A FW heavy? 12 pounds?? The 301 at 16 pounds is my choice for the reasons given above. Trene, I'm surprised your Elna wlll quilt. Mine won't which is why I have the 301. That auto adjusting presser foot and the zigzag plate are two of the reasons she doesn't quilt well. I do love that machine and have used it for almost 40 years for everything imaginable, but the 301 is my piecer, my FMQer and my class machine.

FWs are adorable, that's for sure. What does the 'new' anniversary one weigh?

I use to have one but hardly ever used it because of it only having straight stitch capability. I feel for the money the FWs are commanding you could do better with a different machine. I replaced my FW with a modern Singer Quantum Stylist 9960, it is an excellent machine. The 9960 was produced after the Pfaff/Viking/Singer merger and sews extremely well. Has needle up/down, multi needle position and even an auto thread cutter. I couldn't lug my big Viking Designer to classes anymore, just too bulky and heavy. The 9960 isn't small but is of lighter weight than the Viking. Amazon has them for a good price with free shipping.

I have a FW, a 301 and several modern machines. I took the 301 to retreat with me. I don't do classes. The nice thing about these machines is their durability. You aren't going to knock the timing off with a little jolt and you have no electronics to worry about. The straight stitch is perfect.

BUT, if you already have reservations it probably isn't the machine for you. I do love mine but I love having my modern machines, too. I think I am a sewing machine junkie!

Irishrose - I don't quilt on my Supermatic, I don't machine quilt at all. I piece on it, and hand quilt. No objection to machine quilting, just a skill I haven'tlearned yet!

I love my FW. Its great for classes, because it is light weight. I have the case so don't have to worry about it getting marked up or hurt. I have a Bernina and a Janome and I really like them too, but would never want to be without my FW.

I love my FW and can't think of another machine I'd rather "take along" or one more portable in my herd. That being said, find one and try it out before you make your own decision....some folks just don't like them...

I have featherweight and a Europro that I believe is lighter than the FW. Both travel well, so it depends on what I am going to work on will determine which one is going with me. I do not use the FW black carrying case though, I have a traveling case with wheels. I agree you should try out a few machines. You know the FW is going to last, but it may not be the machine you want.