soozieq2

Hey, we are neighbors! I live in South Hill and was just looking at Quilt Barn site to read more about that FW class. Do you know how I might be able to contact Dave for more information. And thanks for your comments.

cabbagepatchkid

jljack is correct about the color. The solid colored brownish/tan onc is called "mocha" and the beige and white one is called LBOW (light beige/oyster white). That was the actual term used by Singer at the time. The mocha machine is a darker tan than the LBOW beige. Either way, I love all 3 colors but my favorite is the LBOW's. I just think they are a pretty machine, for some reason.

soozieq2

Thanks for the offer! I am from Kentucky myself and if I were near you, I would certainly like to see your machines.

Daylesewblessed

I have both, and the 301 is my favorite. It may be my height, but on the FW, for me, the tension knob blocks my line of vision. I have to either find a lower chair or put the FW on a phone book. The 301 with its slant needle is much better. Although it is not a feature that I use, I believe that the feed dogs will lower on the 301 for FM quilting.

Although I love my FW, and it is a few pound lighter, the handle on the 301 is good for mobility. I like the mid-century modern boxy look of the 301.

A note about the white/tan/mint green FW's not made in the U.S. is that several specifications were changed for those later machines, and they are not the same as the black FW's.

You will enjoy either machine!

Dayle

Kas

Yep! His website is http://www.featherweight221.com/fwrx/index.html

He and his wife Sharon are absolute sweethearts!

SunlitenSmiles

mine is a 301A (LB/OW) the slant needle is awsome, so much easier on the neck and eyes. the four extra pounds keep the machine from sliding around on workshop tables, especially if quilting rather than piecing. It does free-motion quilt and with the buttonhole attachment makes the most perfect buttonholes of any machine, yes even better than my BERNINA 1630. That said, if i ever "win the lottery" i would find a 221 or 222 because they are so cute and a treadle because that is what i first sewed with when i was three.

spindreams

I have a 301, and it has become my workhorse. It is sturdier than the FW, with steel gears that make it able to sew through any thickness, even multiple denim layers and faux suede bags. I have used a friends FW, but not often, so perhaps I am biased. But my vote is the 301. Oh, and I live in Vancouver, so I know about dark rainy days! My 301 is black, but a good lamp on my sewing table takes care of that.

Jane

Candace

I own 3, 301's and they do great FMQ. With that being said....I don't understand why anyone would be happy with a straight stitch machine for classes. Any classes I've ever seen you must have the ability to do FMQ(need a cover plate with FW), zig zag and applique stitching. If you're buying a straight stitch only machine you will not be able to take any special technique classes and this would be very limiting. Yes the FW's and 301's are great machines for what they do....and that's ONLY a straight stitch. I would recommend a Janome Jem or something along those lines for a classroom environment. That way you won't be limited by a straight stitch. And use your 301 for piecing:>

fred liniger

hey soozieq2 check with Duane Sechser at email-----> [email protected] he has quite a few FW and other older machines i have ordered a lot of parts and assesseries for my 221 from bobbins, bobbins case ,needles everything just ordered a complete set of attachments for it this morning and more bobbins check it out might be what your looking for. Tell him Fred sent ya

soozieq2

Karen: Can you please explain the difference between the 301 and 301A? Thanks a bunch.