Featherweight Machines
 

I've always wanted a Featherweight machine. What is the best way to go about getting one? Auctions? Advertise on Craig's List? I don't want to get one that needs a lot of work. I'd like to be able to purchase one & be able to use it right away. Any suggestions?

I'm sure there are lots of ways, as you suggest. Here is a reliable source in a town near me. This guy has been selling and repairing FWs for decades that I know of. I'm sure he'd ship. He is in Keene, New Hampshire. http://www.themoseshouse.com/sewing_machines.htm Wow, I just clicked on his sewing machine link from this page and he has some very good deals. He is totally upfront about each machine and if you don't mind some wear and tear, he has some very cheap. Or spend a bit more for a perfect one.

I think Craig's List is your best bet. Go for excellent condition (case too). Also, tell people you know your looking for one, they may know someone who is willing to part with theirs. Nancy Srebro's book is worth owning, with that you will be able to service it yourself. http://www.ebay.com/itm/FEATHERWEIGH...ht_1394wt_1154

I think you have to be on the look-out everywhere. I recommend asking your local sewing machine repair person to be watching for one and also to put an ad in the local quilt guild's newsletter.

Another place to watch is http://www.shopgoodwill.com/ . There is usually at least a couple there every week. If you do find one on Craigslist at least you could go and inspect it before purchasing.

I found both of mine advertised on craigslist. One of them had been in the attic for many years and needed servicing (which I did myself). The other was ready to go, had a receipt from being serviced 4 months prior. There are usually some advertised in my area, but I've noticed that they are overpriced, asking $400-600 when the going price is more $250-350 these days. #1 thing to check is the bobbin case - if it is missing it would be $50 or more to replace with an original. Also look for ones that have the case and attachments included.

You must be seeing the same half dozen reposted over and over for the past few months that I'm seeing. You would think they would figure out that they are asking too much by now?! I also found my 3 on cl, also for much much less than the others posted.

I am the proud new owner of a Singer 222K 1956- in beautiful shape,with most attachments , buttonholer & origional black case. There are only a few marks on black extention base -all gold is intact

I checked Craigs list and they were overpriced so I watched EBay and when I found one listed that was local I contacted the seller and he let me look at it before I bid. I still had to bid and win, but it made me braver because I knew what I was getting. It turned out that I knew the seller and after I won the auction, I told him I would give him cash and save him the Paypal fees so he gave me a discount on my bid. And I saved the shipping cost.

I found mine on eBay about a year ago...1951 Centennial edition, great condition with case, manual, accessories...only $225 w/free shipping. It was a Buy It Now, freshly listed. I know, it was a STEAL!

Later, I bought a ruled face plate and extra bobbins. Warning: the bobbins I bought on eBay are cheap and don't work! I would suggest getting them from Sewclassic.

I know there is one listed for sale on the SewItsForSale yahoo group unless it has sold in the last day. It was less than $300...

I have a black one but had been lusting after a white one .... don't know why exactly. Anyway, saw one on my local CL yesterday about 45 minutes after it was listed. Called and the lady still had it. They were moving out of state. She was the original owner. Had to go pick it up about 50 minutes away so there was some gas cost but I got it, the book, a box of bobbins, some feet, and a couple of older sewing books for $165. I thought that was a pretty good deal. Needs cleaning and oiling/lubricating but otherwise is fine. Good luck with your hunt. Just keep watching ebay and CL and take your time. The prices do seem to be coming down on them .... but that seems to be true of lots of things selling secondhand now. I think one can definitely see how the economy is doing (or not doing as the case may be) by noticing how items on ebay don't seem to be selling as well as they used to be.

I have bought 2 on e-bay and have been happy with the price and condition both times. My one suggestion would be to check the sellers rating. Good luck finding one they are a fun machine to sew on and take to classes.

LOL! Probably so! I'm in the Salem area but bought both of mine on the Portland CL. My purple one I just got last March, it had just been listed 1/2 hour before. I was going up to Portland the next day, so looked before I went to bed. I emailed right away and was the first responder. It had the original case, manual and attachments, plus a buttonholer, vintage quilting attachment, marked needle plate, and a (new) 1/4" foot. Her Mom had had it painted and given it to her, trying to interest her in quilting. Then she moved to Portland (from Houston) to live w/Dad and go to school. She only wanted $140 to "sell it fast" I was happy to take it off her hands... The purple color makes me smile ...

I agree Craigslist is your best bet. Be patient--I lucked out last year when I saw an ad on Craigslist that described it as a vintage portable Singer for $75.00. I clicked on the ad and almost fainted. The machine was a pristine Featherweight. The man bought it from a friend of his whose mother had passed away. He had no idea what he had, and I scooped it up. So be sure and look at "ALL" the ads on Craigslist. I already had a Featherweight that was not in near the condition this one was in and I planned on selling it, but I could not bring myself to do it--so I have two--Mary and Betty are their names.