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TonnieLoree 05-03-2011 10:32 AM


Originally Posted by raedar63
A Fad among quilters perhaps? I can see collecting about anything, heck I collect rocks. I see your point some spend literally thousands on a fancy machine and then have to have a featherweight. I am thinking it is the "in thing"

I started a husband collection once. I found out it was far less expensive to fix or by a sewing machine. ;)

TonnieLoree 05-03-2011 10:42 AM


Originally Posted by Prism99
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.

Sorry, the word "status" in owning a FW just cracked me up. So, does one mount their status on the hood of their beat up AMC Pacer?

seamstome 05-03-2011 10:57 AM

I love the husband collection!! Can you just imagine that displayed in your livingroom?

Maia B 05-03-2011 11:00 AM

"Fad, in thing, status" certainly don't apply to my reasons for choosing and loving machines. Precision, reliability, craftsmanship, durability, beauty do!

wolph33 05-03-2011 11:01 AM

I have 2 Vikings with all the bells and whistles,a babylock straight stitch and a few featherweights-love them all-each for different reasons.the old machines will last generations and no cost to maintain-and they are wonderful

MommaDorian 05-03-2011 04:48 PM

I've often wondered about FW. I'd probably have one too, but I just don't have the room for one.

Lavada 05-04-2011 03:46 AM

looking for one since every one says they sew but not easy most are used and not for sell straight sewing is a must in quilting

Aurora 05-04-2011 03:47 AM

I am not crazy about the bells and whistles. I have no problem threading my own machine. I am more than able to cut my own thread. Bobbins running out of thread are not an issue, I always have a filled one ready so I don't have to unthread my machine. My 301a holds a separate spool for filling the bobbin.

No matter how much you pay for those bells and whistles what you really have is a hunk of plastic that is considered to be disposable. The gears will get hot and wear out. My little 301a has been around and sewing for over 40 years. It is quieter than the new machines, does not do a little dance across the table every time I sew, does not need to be reset before I start sewing because some fool fixed the electronics to return to a specific setting when the machine is turned off.

When I began quilting two years ago, I bought a new sewing machine wonder. I took it to guild three times, brought it home and returned it to its box. One day it will be donated or sold for almost nothing because I dislike it so much. I have since purchased at least ten vintage machines that I can clean and maintain without taking them in for expensive service charges.

If one of my machines does give up the ghost, I can sell it for scrap and it will not contribute to the ever growing pile of trash.

All I really need is a machine that sews forward, reverse, and a zigzag stitch when needed and I can still meet those requirements with a vintage machine. Yes I have a FW, but prefer my 301a.

DoxieFive 05-04-2011 03:48 AM

I had mine with me when we lived in the motor home for three years. I is small and sews beautifully. It is just right for small places. I never could have lived without quilting for that time.

pieces 05-04-2011 04:01 AM

I have no idea. I love my Berninas, love the knee lift,
the 5 needle postions, etc.
Maybe for classes they are light and easy to carry. (?)
I don't take classes and my machines never leave their cabinets.
I love the computerized machines.


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