I have many older Singers, including Featherweights, 301's, 285 ( a very pretty blue/green and lightweight) and likely less expensive than some others. The 301's are heavier than the Featherweight. Think out of the box, I have a Phaff 1229 and it is very light, it also does zig-zag and other stitches for applique--and they are light weight and about the same price as Featherweights. Some other Pfaff models made during the same time as the 1229 are too very quilter friendly.