I always wanted one as I grew up using one my mother had. She gave it to my sister when she died, so I decide to get one for myself. I ended up with a Brothers from the 1960's that cost me nothing (my daugher bought it for my Christmas present last year). Then my husband found a Japanise 15 clone for $10.00. I found a Featherweight. You know it gets to be havit forming just looking for them.

They run like work horses! Just got my 1st FW in January and it was love at 1st sight. She was born in 1948. Before going to see her I decided on a FW because they are so well made and sew a beautiful 1/4" seam. I didn't expect her to be in such great shape but she was. She was well loved and cared for by her previous owner. The lady who owned her bought her in the 1950's and used her ever since.

I also have an old treadle machine. It really does nice straight seams. Gives me a nice trip down memory lane when I use it. I learned to sew on a treadle machine.

I love my old machines but have been spoiled buy my new one with its needle threader and such. When I get back to piecing I am going to open up my 201 and do the straight stitches on that. And if I ever get a chance to take a class I am taking my 301 my friend gave me for Christmas.
Before I got my Brother I used the vintage machines exclusively since that is all I could afford. And being able to fix them myself is a plus money wise.

I have one called a Household that I bet could sew car upholstery without a wimper. If not the car bumper.:-)
But try to tell this kind of stuff to the new sewist coming along that wants all the bells and whistles. :-) (for $50. lol I had one girl in GA ask for a Bernina on Freecycle)

My Featherweights have rescued me at times when my Janome was being stubborn. I always take the FW to day long workshops if we're just sewing straight seams. The motors are powerful, they never hesitate at thick seams or balk when you go over quilt seams. In fact, they will sew leather and tough fabrics with ease. They are easy to operate and care for as well. So lightweight and easy to transport. I have all the attachments made and found them easily on Ebay and finally ordered a couple from a gentleman in North Carolina who uses the name Featherweight Poppy. He's been a tremendous help; very honest and up front with his opinions and information.

My 221 Featherweight is so light and portable, plus it looks adorable too. I bought mine from a guy who repairs old Singer 221's in England and my machine acts like new. I know I paid more, but I have a machine that runs like a dream with no problems. If you're interested in seeing his (highly recommended)site, it's here: http://singer-featherweight.com/

Graham Forsdyke is one of the leading authorities on Antique sewing machines!! You picked a winner when you bought from him! He's recognized the world over for his knowledge.

Graham is very knowlegable to say the least. He belongs to the group that I learned how to clean and repair my machine from. I have since gotten away from it but he always gives great advice and from what I have seen on the group is a very nice person.He even mailed me a part for one of my machines from his home. I love his stories too. Here is the link if anyone is interested.
http://www.ismacs.net/grahams_true_s...s_listing.html

My Featherweight is simple to service myself, will most likely outlive any and all of my present and future computerized machines, and has a beautiful straight stitch.

A friend gave me a featherweight along with the table and I'm very proud to have it. I haven't had the time to learn to sew on it yet. My favorite sewing machine in a 1973 Kenmore that's has reached the stage it can't be repaired anymore, but I'm still using it as much as I can.