Fetherwieght or 301A?
12-11-2011, 08:21 PM
#31
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 85
I started this thread and today I won a 301 LBOW on EBay. I am thrilled and nervous---hoping to get it sometime in the next week. Can I purchase needles and bobbins locally, i.e., Joann's? Thanks to all for your expert and generous input. I considered everything you shared. More questions are sure to follow and pray for me that the little baby sews as well as described by the seller.
12-11-2011, 08:23 PM
#32
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 85
Originally Posted by totosmom
I was in your position recently ... wanted a compact, portable machine to take to my Quilts of Valor groups. Started looking for a FW, but dang, they are expensive! Even the one I wanted at a local country auction went for over $300, so I decided at that moment to get a 301. They are the best: all metal, gear driven, full sized, handle on top, and they make the nicest stitch. I was so happy, I went out and got another one (besides the classic black one), a lovely LBOW. If you're on a budget (or just cheap like me), go with the 301. The FWs ARE adorable, but I just couldn't part with that much cash for "adorable".
Let us know how you fare!
Let us know how you fare!
12-12-2011, 02:59 PM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,845
Originally Posted by soozieq2
Can I purchase needles and bobbins locally, i.e., Joann's? Thanks to all for your expert and generous input. I considered everything you shared. More questions are sure to follow and pray for me that the little baby sews as well as described by the seller.
12-12-2011, 03:33 PM
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
Just an FYI, I won't buy bobbins from any of the big box stores anymore and would highly recommend Sew Classic to buy them. A good percentage of the bobbins from Joannes/Walmart etc. are junk and have problems. Some of them have center holes too small, so they won't fit on the bobbin winder properly:<
12-12-2011, 03:49 PM
#35
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: N.E.Georgia
Posts: 216
I have both,the 301 is more powerful than the featherweight also a bit heavier.The 301`s also come in black with a shorter side folding plate.My best friend in FL.has 1 like that.Mine is solid Mocha,tan etc.
12-13-2011, 05:12 AM
#37
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Oxford, Wi.
Posts: 158
Congrats on winning the 301 you will love it! Did it have the case? Remember it is a slant machine so if purchasing a walking foot / darning foot etc. that is the type you will need. I have a short video of my daughter FMQing on hers I hope to upload to You Tube soon to share.
12-13-2011, 05:40 AM
#38
Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 1
My vote is for the 301.
I have both, featherweight & 301. By far the 301 is my favorite. It is light weight, very portable, sounds & sew wonderful. I like the slant needle - it will sew anything - using the right needle.
The 301 & the featherweight do use the same bobbin & case, but not the same feet.
The 301 & the featherweight do use the same bobbin & case, but not the same feet.
Last edited by purplepansy13526; 12-13-2011 at 05:42 AM. Reason: added comment
12-13-2011, 07:56 AM
#39
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: I live in the Bay Area, Walnut Creek, California--high population quilt designers, fabric designers,
Posts: 7
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jljack
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
36
03-11-2011 04:22 PM
debbieumphress
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
46
12-19-2010 08:07 AM
