Featherweights are out there.
04-16-2025, 07:42 AM
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 10,668
I have a white one that I got at an estate sale for $50 and few years ago. It has the case and sews like a dream. When I bought it, it was stuck in the needle down position. It only took me a couple days to get it un-stuck. I didn't even have to adjust tensions. I made a quilt on it that week after I bought it. I also have a black one I bought for $75. They are out there and easy to work on yourself. Featherweight Shop videos are very helpful. Keep looking!
I'm not sure if estatesales.net it everywhere, but I've seen them on there regularly. I saw the white on I have on estatesales.net and was standing on the front porch when they opened the next day. I wouldn't even put the machine on the saved rack. I was afraid someone would scarf it up!
I'm not sure if estatesales.net it everywhere, but I've seen them on there regularly. I saw the white on I have on estatesales.net and was standing on the front porch when they opened the next day. I wouldn't even put the machine on the saved rack. I was afraid someone would scarf it up!
10-19-2025, 04:31 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Dakotas
Posts: 3,143
I’m in the Midwest. I have 3.
1). Celery green bought from a bank (executor of an estate). Priced at $375 and I offered $275 which was accepted.
2). 1947 black bought on Marketplace. One owner, lightly used. I wanted 1947 so it cost me $400.
3). 1955 black bought on Marketplace. I wanted one from the 1950’s. Good condition, case is reproduction. $400
4). Looking for one made in late 1930’s then I’ll have every decade.
1). Celery green bought from a bank (executor of an estate). Priced at $375 and I offered $275 which was accepted.
2). 1947 black bought on Marketplace. One owner, lightly used. I wanted 1947 so it cost me $400.
3). 1955 black bought on Marketplace. I wanted one from the 1950’s. Good condition, case is reproduction. $400
4). Looking for one made in late 1930’s then I’ll have every decade.
10-19-2025, 05:10 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: USA
Posts: 852
I am also in the Midwest. I recently added two Featherweights from the 1930's to my existing collection of 7. I purchased the 1936 at the Faithful Circle Quilters guild show in Woodridge, IL this September. The second one, a 1934 school bell I purchased from Big Sky Featherweights in September 2024. So, machines from the 1930's are definitely still out there. Both machines are in pristine condition and work perfectly. I think it's sometimes a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
10-19-2025, 07:12 AM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Vermont
Posts: 7,142
Lol, the closest I will come is my Singer 185J, circa 1957. It's cute and compact but weighs a ton!! I think I weighed it at 35-40 pounds. I call it the Leadweight. I keep it as a back up since I got a new machine. I once had someone comment on it being an antique, and I was like, Hey, I am one year older than that machine.
ETA - I almost got one from a friend but then one of her kids decided they would like it. Easy come, easy go.
ETA - I almost got one from a friend but then one of her kids decided they would like it. Easy come, easy go.
10-19-2025, 11:24 AM
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 10,668
