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  • Did I spend too much? New featherweight

  • Did I spend too much? New featherweight

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    Old 04-15-2019, 06:27 PM
      #31  
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    Eight years ago I paid $275.00 plus tax. I looked online at the time and they all ranged in the $200 to $500 range in varying degrees of disrepair.
    I think you got a deal.
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    Old 04-15-2019, 08:20 PM
      #32  
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    Oh my gosh I had no idea they had gone up in price that much. I bought my aunt's at her sale a few (6 maybe) years ago and got it for a song at the prices shown. My uncle had bought it for her and she treated it like it was a piece of gold so it looks and runs like new, the case is in new shape all the wiring looks new, everything is like it is new, has bobbins and attachments galore, so guess I have a gold mine sitting in there and didn't realize it. I am just thrilled to have it and have it in such good shape. That little machine is one great sewing machine, love to use it.
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    Old 04-16-2019, 04:22 AM
      #33  
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    Originally Posted by alderdweller
    Hubby and I were at an auction today and they brought out this Featherweight. We did not have a chance to look it over beforehand, and the bidding was going fast. Since I had always wanted one, we foolishly bid on it almost sight unseen.
    So when I get a chance to look it over, it's going to need a new cord, a new bobbin case (this one is missing) and some new bobbins. The machine itself looks to be in fair condition, though I cannot even plug it up due to cord is deteriorated. The case is in pretty bad condition and there are no attachments, manuals or anything included.
    In the excitement of the bid, I am in $200 plus tax.
    I am kinda heartsick. Did I do terrible?
    I paid $225 for mine which also had the table in which to insert it. The one I bought sews like a dream. I had to replace the motor which was shot, but otherwise I am pleased with my purchase. So you didn't pay too much. I've seen white ones for as high as $650. Of course, the white ones are rarer.
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    Old 04-16-2019, 04:26 AM
      #34  
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    I also bought those LED lights for mine and they are wonderful. I got mine at the Featherweight Shop. And yes, they have great tutorials.
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    Old 04-16-2019, 12:00 PM
      #35  
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    Congratulations on your new baby! I love her and think you got her for a great price! If you have buyers remorse I know someone who would buy her as is...Me
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    Old 04-16-2019, 06:16 PM
      #36  
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    From the photo, your case looks solid. Just like the machine it only needs a little TLC. There are lots of videos on here if it is a bit smelly. They usually are because of the animal glue that was used in their construction. The exterior can be brought back to a surprisingly good looking condition. It will protect your machine if you take it anywhere or just keep it clean if it is put away. One of your catches looks like it might need replacing but even that is doable. Don't fret you did fine. Keep us posted on your journey of renewal.
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    Old 04-17-2019, 07:33 AM
      #37  
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    Several years ago hubby bought my FW for $550 in mint condition with a zigzag attachment and original manual. It had a new pedal and cord. No I think it was too much. Case was like new except for the old smell. Local sewing machine store charges $90 for cleaning and adjustments add on the labor and parts for that machine will add a lot to your purchase price. Hopefully it doesn’t need a motor. I don’t like sewing with mine but can’t tell my husband cause I told him I wanted one.
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    Old 04-17-2019, 08:19 AM
      #38  
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    Wow, I'd love to have it for $200!! I'll put a new cord on it and fix the bobbin case.

    Last edited by QuiltnNan; 04-17-2019 at 01:34 PM.
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    Old 04-17-2019, 09:10 AM
      #39  
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    My sister bought a Featherweight at an estate sale and spent $150 replacing the cord and bobbin case and other stuff. She sold it for $400. I think she still has 3. I think they are really cute but I like to sew fast. You got a good deal. She took a Featherweight maintenance and the teacher said the only way you can kill these machines is toss them into the ocean. She maintains her own and has also help friends who have purchased featherweights. One friend picked one up for $30 at a pre-garage sale the nonprofit she volunteers at was having. Last year she also scored a huge sack full of fabric and packaged batting that was going to be tossed. Contemporary Japanese fabric and vintage fabrics in small tops, by vintage I mean authentic Civil War prints). I was the beneficiary of all the vintage stuff.
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    Old 04-17-2019, 09:36 AM
      #40  
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    Local Auctioneer buys whole estates then resells piece by piece. I knew this estate had a FW so I called him & he told me over phone $300 but took my $250 offer. I knew owner & knew it would be mint condition, case & all. Imagine my face when I found out it was white ! I wanted black ! Oh well. I enjoy it. Original sales slip says it cost $106.00
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