FW are great machines. I wanted one for a long time and lost two on ebay. (outbid) So I watch Craig's list. That way I can see them and hear them run. This was my first machine ever that I felt comfortable working on. I bought my first one site-unseen but a hundred questions were asked! It came from WA and I'm in OR. It was trucked over and it was delivered the next day. It was like a baby being born! I was so excited as I had waited for a long time for one. The person that was loading it for me at the trucking company was as excited (due to my excitement I'm sure!)as I was! When he helped me open it he couldn't believe what a cute machine it was.

I have since added 4 more to my collection! They all have something special about them. Straited plate, scroll plate, Centenial and a white. Then there was one at an estate sale that I had to take to give a good home too. They are all special and they all hum so nicely. And yes I must say they are work horses. They will not let you down! They are the most precise stitching machines you can get. I used my Bernina to sew a flannel quilt and it wasn't doing real well. I pulled out my first FW and not a problem. I stitched so nice that the seams were beautiful! I haven't paid more than $200 for mine. My centenial was $75.00. Just watch and be patient. You can get them at a reasonable price.

I think every quilter should have one!

That's what I used before my FW another wonderful machine. I won't part with mine. It's wonderful.

Ms Shawn...look up singer-featherweight.com and you can see picture of it.. looks so cute & small.
I have an 1938 and 1950 FW...love to sew on it !!
1906 also on treadle.

Would love to have the white/celery green one but not at the prices they want for it. Sigh, have to keep looking.

This has been a fun thread.. I've always loved my featherweight (I have 3) and I knew others loved their's as well.. but this thread has really made it clear, owners of a FW are all passionate about these sweet old machines!!

I also have several other old singers, a 66, 2 301's, an old pfaff that makes the most soothing sound as it stitches, I also have a little old brother that stitches as well as a featherweight. I love all these old machines.. I have a group of friends that come over and we all pick a machine and sew. Each machine sews perfectly.. all straight stitch, but such beautiful straight stitches they are!!

Ooops, forgot to mention the 66 and the 306 just recently purchased! Haven't used the 66 yet but have been told it's a good solid heavy machine.

My DH bought my white/celery FW with the case at a yard sale for $75. They thought it was a childs toy.

Olivia's grandmammy..............Oh Lucky You !! What yr is it and have you named it? Boy, that was the bestest deal i have heard of for your's.

It's from Scotland and dated 1964. I don't name my machines.

Very nice, thanks for the info. Do you have a pic of it?
Scotland, 1964..very interesting.

I have two featherweights..a creme one I found about 18 years ago and a black one I inherited from my neighbor and quilting buddy when she passed 8 years ago. I cherish both of them. The creme one goes in the car when we travel, and the black one travels in our 5th wheel when we are going to be gone longer. I have made curtains for our boat going down the intercoastal waterway, made a bedspread on the way to Florida, and pillows when I was bored. My daughter took the creme one when she went to college (I told her it was on loan). Both of them sew perfectly with a minimum of problems. I always take one with me as backup at retreats..I know it won't fail. The prices varies but sometimes they can be found at estate sales. If you find one buy it!!!

Somebody opened up a can of worms for info on FW ! LOL, look at all the wonderful stories that we're sharing on our machines.

I first learned how to sew on my Mom's Featherweight when I was 8. I remember how pretty it was, the fancy gold designs, the cute little light bulb, the black case, the green manual
She'd gotten it as a wedding present so it must have been a 1949-50 model
Unfortunately she TRADED IT IN on a "modern" Singer Touch n Sew !! I know she wanted the "upgrade" back then ... but how I wish I had THAT Featherweight today :cry:

That is so sad to let that little baby go. Wonder how much they actually allowed on it for her trade-in?

Dear FW Purchaser,

I believe that $218 is a very good price. Check the quilting magazines and of course e-bay.

Lorraine Barksdale

Welcome from Maryland and I have recently gotten two featherweights and have sewn with one,it is just grand. Light, steady and the cutest little machine around! I named her "Mitzi" and the other is "June".

Lyn, I tried to send you a private message, but the board wouldn't let me.

Please send me a message about the little car quilt you show in your picture.

I would like to order the pattern, if possible.

I work in Buckeye, AZ, so am real close every day of the work week.

Thank you.

Anne V.

Welcome, I just got one today! Lady traded it for an old microwave that I was just planning on giving to her. I just couldn't believe it.

I want one!!!!!!!!

Whoa, great trade for you.

What was she thinking? She wasn't.

I have 1 & really love it. The other day I was making a purse, when I couldn't through 1 of the seams, with my newer machine. I just got out my FW & it sewed through it no problem. It also sews so perfectly streight. If you have the opportunity , buy one.

I think I am the one who opened the can of worms on FW. I just purchased one on Ebay & was talking about it and then all of a sudden.....rest is history

If you go to quilt classes and quilting clubs, having a Featherweight is awesome because new machines are so-o-o-o heavy to lug around. Featherweights only do basic stitching, but what else do you need the machine to do at a quilt class/club?

I made a jacket from corduroy the fabric had the wider ribs and my FW performed flawlessly, it had no problem at all sewing it. I was just amazed! I've also hemmed jeans with it. I love my FWs.
Sharon W.

DH saw a white FW on Craigslist today. It's $150. I do not know the person, just wanted to past the info on as alot of you are looking for one. Look under city of Atlanta, then arts and crafts. Please understand I am not advertising or recommending, just passing on info.

There are also two others on Craigslist, one in NC (greenvill) and one in SC (Greer-I think) Both were $300.

My Featherweight came to me from my Mom. My Dad bought it for her and she used to make my brothers and sisters clothes on it. I love that it is almost toy-like in size and it has never not sewn a straight stitch for me.
Reliable is an understatement. She is the only machine I have ever sewn on, but I have a "new" Singer 66 Treadle that I hope to be sewing on in the future.
:XD:

already gone. Figured as much at that price. Thanks for thinkig of us.