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-   -   Featherweight sewing machines (https://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage-antique-machine-enthusiasts-f22/featherweight-sewing-machines-t122557.html)

Nancy Ingham 05-13-2011 06:16 AM


Originally Posted by craftybear
Yes, I am also looking to buy a Featherweight sewing machine

Ditto!!!!!

sjdal 05-13-2011 07:11 AM

I have two 221's that I take to classes and I paid approx. $200. for each. One has a scroll face plate, the other is a Centennial model. They work great, but have minor scratches on the beds. Both came with cases and attachments. I also have 2 pristine models, one a 222-K and the other a 221. Both have Red S medallions. I use them both, but take my watch off and don't use pins. They also never leave my house. I paid top price for both from a very reputable dealer. I love them all!

sew_sew 05-13-2011 07:33 AM

I just paid what I think was a reasonable price for one on Ebay. The prices are really down from what they were about a year ago. I've looked mine over but no time to do more then give it a quick once over and to plug it in to make sure it works. Hope to polish, shine, clean and oil this weekend. I chose the one I got because I liked that she had been loved by the owner who was a quilter who had two. Always make sure the seller has good feedback and has been selling a while. She also included a book called "Featherweight 221, the perfect portable". I can do the tuneup myself but would like to find a book to help with her and her sisters.

BobbiG 05-13-2011 08:05 AM

I just paid $378 for a 221 that's been reconditioned and is guaranteed for 30 days. I also didn't want the hassle of the bidding and liked the guarantee. It's should be here on Tuesday. Can't wait.

Iamquilter 05-13-2011 08:28 AM

I just found a Featherweight on internet for $315, in case and has everything., Comes from a proffessional sewer and sound like you could call her anytime with questions or problems. Is this a super good buy? Please respond. Thanks

SewExtremeSeams 05-13-2011 08:30 AM

Got mine off craigslist for $250. I had been watching the prices on craigslist for a while and felt that was about the going price. So, when I found it, we drove 2.5 hours north of our place to buy it. We met the most wonderful people. We went back a week later to buy two of her six handcrank sewing machines and some really cool lumber from her husband. My DH makes furniture, lamps and bowls so we are always on the lookout for cool, knarly wood.

Regularly, I check craigslist for FW in our state of Washington and still feel that is about the going price. Some people shoot for a higher price but i don't think they get it in most cases.

Just be as patient as possible and the right one, at the right price will come along! :-D

fmd36 05-13-2011 08:36 AM

So...perhaps I should go to that auction tomorrow and check out the featherweight that is being offered. I have to say this is the first time I have seen one ofered by this auctioneer....reading the comments,I had not been familiar with this machine. Will have to go by myself as DH is going to a men's breakfast.

reginalovesfabric 05-13-2011 08:42 AM

I have two, one was a gift and the other cost me $140.00 I love both of them

msnell 05-13-2011 09:22 AM

I found an estate sale ad in the newspaper and they was a singer 1937 machine among the items . I called the lady about it is not a fw,it is in a cabinet ,with a lot of feet and " sews like a dream" It was listed for $85, she will sale it for $60. Is this a good machine and a good price? Thank -msnell

TJDesigns 05-13-2011 09:30 AM

1 Attachment(s)
I You have to be quick to get them on craigs list I was the first one to respond to her add, kept looking everyday on craigs list. I put singer and searched entire listings. Found her at a garage sale listing. She was only a little dusty. Came with case and all attachments. Paid $100. Took her to a lady that services them in Lincoln, Ca for $40. she got a new belt and electrical cord and all cleaned up for $65. So my total cost was $165.
Happy Hunting you will find one just be patient.

My Maria
[ATTACH=CONFIG]196515[/ATTACH]

deplaylady 05-13-2011 09:38 AM

I got my 221 from ebay - a 1948 model for $166.56. I bought the accessories in a separate auction for $20. She's off at the sewing machine Dr's right now to get cleaned and tuned up. I can't wait to get her back and start sewing! :D

sew1 05-13-2011 10:07 AM

Got one on Ebay a couple weeks ago for $260. Love this machine and in great shape. GD who is 10 has sewed on her and loves her. Go for it but be careful that it has bobbin case, as local sewing shop says these are hard to find. Happy hunting.

jbj137 05-13-2011 10:13 AM

Mine just arrived by USPS. today.
Won bid on E-Bay on Monday.
Paid $152.50 + $26. for shipping.

It is missing her round decal &
one wire is a little frayed but
all in all she looks good.

Her name is Margaret after my
aunt who gave me my 1st machine.

Will shop pics when I get her cleaned up.

J J

jbj137 05-13-2011 10:14 AM

Mine just arrived by USPS. today.
Won bid on E-Bay on Monday.
Paid $152.50 + $26. for shipping.

It is missing her round decal &
one wire is a little frayed but
all in all she looks good.

Her name is Margaret after my
aunt who gave me my 1st machine.

Will shop pics when I get her cleaned up.

J J

jbj137 05-13-2011 10:14 AM

Mine just arrived by USPS. today.
Won bid on E-Bay on Monday.
Paid $152.50 + $26. for shipping.

It is missing her round decal &
one wire is a little frayed but
all in all she looks good.

Her name is Margaret after my
aunt who gave me my 1st machine.

Will show pics when I get her cleaned up.

OOOPPSS!!! can you tell I am excited,
just posted 3 times I think.

J J

quiltingcat 05-13-2011 10:16 AM

I don't really know a good price but I'm looking for one also. I need to check out more info about them. Which is the best and what to look for. If anyone has any thoughts please pass them on.

Greeter Eva 05-13-2011 10:19 AM


Originally Posted by vintage cowgirl
I really would like a featherweight but don't know what a good price is, how about around $300.00 ?

I have 2 FWs. I payed $200 for one & $100 for the other, but since then I've actually heard from a couple people that got the for free. I think it depends on how big a rush you are to get one.

JulieTN 05-13-2011 10:38 AM

This is one of those things that you will be charged as much as the market will bear where you live! I bought mine 12 years ago from theo riginal owner in mint condition for $175.00 with the case and extras. Yet I acutally saw one in the sewing machine dealer/repair place with just the machine and case for $770.00!

TAKE CARE TOO - there are new ones on the market that are not any where as well made and good as the antique versions. I would ONLY buy where I could check out the machine personally.

Good luck, they are just fantastic little machines.
Julie

brushandthimble 05-13-2011 01:32 PM

I bought 2 on ebay last month (1 was paid for by my friend) I did the reading on the adds, and checked the pic. got both for right around $300. including s/h.

Both have now been cleaned and polished and look great and sew great.

My husband wants one, and after the summer when I have the funds I will be willing to pay a little more, want a Cenntial model:)

writerwomen 05-13-2011 01:46 PM

Featherweights do vary greatly in price. The condition they are in varies greatly as well. If you buy a machine with out the foot pedal or bobbin carrier you will be looking at another 80.00- 100.00 to replace them. One thing many fall for is the hyp given. We refurbish vintage machine to include featherweights and always make sure we are giving a true representation of them. Cute little stories and names are often given to jack up the price and that age old story of- it only had one owner. (just like the little old Grandma who only took her car out to drive it to church on Sundays) As a writer /artist etc I can enjoy the stories but when you buy choose-either plan to do work yourself or buy from someone who has a good track record. Our personal policy is have it in top condition before we list it, video tape the machine in use so people see what their getting and then give them the option of return in a reasonable period. If you buy a machine over the internet be sure you are dealing with someone who is not doing an as is or no returns. To give you an example of that, we bought a Necchi BU Nova (great machine) from someone on line who had listed some rough areas of finish. What they had not said was in order to try and make it look better some numbskull spray painted it all black- plates, oil wells, motor etc. We could still smell the spray paint when we opened the delapidated box.

Bluphrog 05-13-2011 01:46 PM

1 Attachment(s)
I just lucked out and got this tan FW on eBay. I paid $265 which included shipping, which was a great price.

I have a 1939 black FW and a 1963 white which I paid around $225 for and a 1950 Centennial model which I paid around $280 for. My collection is complete, until I start hungering for a 222.

Tan 1961 FW
[ATTACH=CONFIG]196583[/ATTACH]

lovelyl 05-13-2011 02:05 PM

I paid #275 plus shipping for my Baby (see avatar). She was in good to go condition and I love her!

msnell 05-13-2011 04:46 PM

I have just about decided not to get this machine. It is a "want",not a need. I have a Kenmore machine that sews good,and I am going to be 83 in July,have a lot of health issues,so I probably wouldn't use it very. Besides that,my apartment is very small.
thank for the help-Nell

Dee 05-13-2011 08:17 PM

Trudy is a fine looking lady. Happy stitching.

slk350 05-13-2011 09:10 PM

Boy, Trudy is one beautiful machine. I would much rather spend a little more and get one in better condition and with attachments. I'm always looking on E-Bay and our local Craigs List. Great Find

Derla 05-14-2011 02:43 AM

I have a 1941 FW which I named Pearl. Machine, case. attachments. and inst. book are in mint condition. I bought her for $225 from a neighbor who treats these FWs as if they were his babies. My DH knew this neighbor had several FW but had no idea I was interested in getting such an "old" machine(he still can't understand it!!!)

Caileys Grammy14669 05-14-2011 03:17 AM

My uncle went to an action, got really lucky and got one for me for only $100.00. He has seen them at tag sales too. So just be patient and you to could get lucky like me. My beauty is my avatar, it sews beautifully too. I just love it. Good luck in your search !

Caileys Grammy14669 05-14-2011 11:07 AM

I have the same one, my uncle got at auction for $100 I love, love, love it.

vintage cowgirl 05-14-2011 07:03 PM

Hooray!!! Hooray!!!I just won the bid for my Centennial Featherweight. Can't wait to get. So happy. Thanks for everyones answers on my questions about them.

Greeter Eva 05-14-2011 07:08 PM


Originally Posted by vintage cowgirl
Hooray!!! Hooray!!!I just won the bid for my Centennial Featherweight. Can't wait to get. So happy. Thanks for everyones answers on my questions about them.

Congratulations Cowgirl. How much did you pay. Would love to see it.

nwm50 05-18-2011 07:04 PM

Just rec'd my 1951 centennial fw today won on ebay, it's dusty and part of the gold decal is fading but really sews so great! i did not know that they sell for so much but i got a great deal.. now i think im complete with fw purchasing for my 3 GD's. Whew! Haven't thought of a name for this one yet.


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