No the featherweights are not fads. They are perfect little machines that sew a perfect straight line and rarely ever break down. Perfect weight to take to class and retreats. Everyone that I talk to either wants one or has one. Most of us have more than one. Sew on one and you will be hooked, too.

Plus, they are so DARN cute!

Riversong, I'm with you. I have the thread cutter on the foot pedal on my Juki and really, really miss that feature when I change over to the Baby Lock Ellegante! And, you know what, I lifted one of a friends Featherweights and it wasn't that lightweight! Really cute to look at though. I have a 25 year old Bernina that still sews like a charm that I use sometimes at the lake.

i love my fancy- computerized machine with all the bells and whistles---
but---
it does weigh a bit- and i hate lugging it around- kind of feel like the more often i carry it out to the car the more chances of something (expensive) happening to it.
a featherweight is a wonderful little work horse...they are lightweight (12 pounds) a very good basic machine that stitches beautifully and will hold up for years (generations)
i'm fairly sure my (bells and whistles) machine will at some point be obsolete- and will have to do upgrades just like with anything computerized...the featherweights- only need a good cleaning on occassion- and maybe a replaced belt...
for anyone just wanting a second machine to take to classes and have for a backup when the (big machine) is down - you can not go wrong with a featherweight. :thumbup:

I have a featherweight but use my Bernina for everyday work. I like the bells and whistles on my Bernina, *especially* needle down!

I think a lot of the featherweight thing is nostalgia (wonderful connections to women of past generations). Also, it's just a good feeling to take one to a workshop. I'm sure there's some status associated with having one too. Reality is there are other good lightweight machines that can be taken to workshops.

I have a white FW and it is so cute and makes me happy sewing with it. It is like taking a cute puppy somewhere. Everyone wants to pet it at classes and workshops! I bought it so my DGD will have it and then maybe her DD and so on. Something from me that hopefully will be cherished and used.

Over the years Singer and other manufaturers invented and marketed a lot of accessories. You can buy zig-zaggers, one step buttonholers, wide angle & narrow hemmers, 1/4" feet, blind stitchers & an amazing array of additions. I haven't even begun to play with all my accessories.

They are cute, compact, tidy and fit in a box 13 x 10 x 8. The whole package weighs less then my more modern machines. I do like my needle down and other fancy features, but the FW's have their place, too.

When machines started to have the zigzag feature, the seams became a little less straight. Sometimes it makes a difference. I love my Elna, but I'm quilting on a Singer 301 for all the reasons the FW people have given. Not as cute, but sews a great seam and being gear driven, will never need a belt replacement. The 301 also FMQs wonderfully which isn't recommended with the FW's smaller motor. We all have our preferences, but mine lie with an all metal machine I can service myself. That being said, I'd like an embroidery machine if the budget allowed.

Bells and whistles are wonderful, but there are items that never should be computerized, mostly on cars. There is a joke about a young girl finding a watch with a windup stem, and she thought it was so neat that she didn't have to buy a battery for it.

I love my feaherweight. She goes to classes. She is lightweight compared to the machines with all the bells and whistles. I have a Bernina and a Viking but the FW is one of my all time favorites!