Are there other old singers that sew as well as the 221 featherweight? Also what is the difference between a 221 & a 221-1?
I've been reading this forum for awhile and have learned a lot form ya'll.
I'll get around to introducing myself soon.
TIA

Just my humble opinion, I have 6 old singers, and my favorite is the 99. I seem to go back to mine when I am peicing at home, but when I go to friends places to sew, I take my 221. I dont think there is any difference between the 221 and the 221-1, I think it jus tmight be a later model of the 221. But, if you do a google search on 221 sewing machines, you ar sure to find out if there are any differences.

I have a 99 that I FMQ on, and I LOVE it!

The 301 is a straight (non zizzag) stitch, so you get the same very straight stitch that you get with with a FW. The aren't as cute as the FWs, but not much heavier and better priced. I don't think you'd be disappointed with any all metal machine. Go look at this thread and see how many very antique machines are still going strong. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-43881-1.htm

My 1956 301A sews wonderfully. I also have a 128 from 1956, but I haven't cleaned her yet to see how she does. I'm a little apprehensive about the shuttle instead of a bobbin, but I'm sure it will just be a learning experience and will be fine.

Almost any vintage or antique sewing machine sews as well or better than the FW. :) Honestly, I do plan to add a FW to my collection someday, but I think they're very overrated in terms of ability.

I don't particularly like my 301 - I just never have taken to it the way I have to others, but it's a good strong machine and will handle a much larger range of sewing tasks than the FW.

My 15's are my jewels - piecing and quilting and garment construction. But, I also love my old 66 from 1905 - it will sew through anything. So will the 27 or 28 from the late 1800's or the 201's from the 1940's. All of them straight-stitch only machines.

I have a gaggle of slant-needle zig-zag Singers that are almost as powerful and hugely versatile, especially for garment construction.

So it's not just the FW's that a sewist would want to add to their "herd," although those are (arguably?) the CUTEST machines in existence. ;)

I would never choose this machine as my primary or only machine, though. (Not even if it was candy apple red with antique gold fire truck decals! ;) )

I have several 301's that were my favorite machines until I recently found a 404 at my local thrift shop. I think I have a new favorite :mrgreen:

The Singer 99 and the Singer Spartan are the same machine (the Spartan doesn't have the gold trim or the light) and they are very reasonably priced compared to a Featherweight. A bit heavier to carry around, but sew very well for straight stitch. And they are cute, also.

rigth now I have 3 singers, 2 FW 221's and one 503A, guesS I will have to try them out. I got the 221 to take to classes and guild meeting, bee's ect. but at home I use my Pfaff's

My 1940 Singer 201 was my first "vintage" machine. It sews at least as well as my 221. My 301 makes wonderful straight stitches, as do my 99s. I haven't really used my 101 to know how well it sews.

I think all the old Singers sewed extremely well. The featherweight, as others have pointed out, is primarily popular because it's small enough to tote around to classes, and it's cute.