I have a FW, don 't really like it. Also have a 301a, which goes everywhere with me. Zig Zag is not an issue with me as I prefer to hand applique.

I have two of them and I love them I don't sew on anything else, but I do have a quilting machine on a 14' frame so I don't quit on a little machine. I just bought a new serger, the brohter runway project and I love it too, I just love sewing machines

Featherweight
 

I love my Featherweight - don't get to sew like I'd like to though. Personally, I think you should get whatever you want! One of the sewing stores here will not let you bring a Featherweight to a quilting class, which I think is ridiculous. Bottom line is: what do you want?

Featherweights are popular for good reasons. They can be pricey, but sometimes can be found for very reasonable prices. Since most of the sewing I do is straight stitch, the featherweight is fine. However, for zigzag or specialty stitches, I use another machine.

FW
 

If you do put it up for sale, I am interested. I want one for nostalgic reasonsl Is there a way for you to contact me through the forum. I don't think it qould be smart to put my private email address in the public forum.

Janettat, if you click on the colored named to the left of the person's post, you can send a PM (private message) to that person. She may not see your message, and that way you can send a message to her.

Check "notifications" at the top of the page; if you have received a message, there will be a number next to it (number of new messages). That's how you can tell if she replies to your PM.

I have owned and used Featherweights since 1961, yes they are undoubtedly the finest portable straight stitch machine out there, lightweight, tons of reasonably priced accessories, all mechanical (no computers or plastic) and easy to maintain and service. Yaaaa!

I bought a featherweight because I think they're cute. I brought it home, tried it out and haven't sewn on it since. With needle up/down, being able to move the needle side to side, fancey stitches, we've come a long way. I like all the bells and whistles. I think it's fun to have a featherweight but I surely wouldn't want to sew on it all the time. I have a Janome 6500 that I love and a Janome Platinum for classes. The Platinum and the featherweight weigh about the same, about 12 lbs.

I love my Featherweight and take it to classes and open sews most of the time. However, there many small lightweight machines now made by every brand to do have more features. That being said (I haven't tried the other small machines) it is a pleasure to sew on my Shelley Ann Featherweight. The sound is like a cat's purr and it makes such a great stitch. I got a lightweight bag to carry it because the original case is so heavy and awkward for me. You should test drive the other machines and see what you like but try a Featherweight before you make your decision