I like to collect vintage machines and when I first seen one my girlfriend was trying to sell her moms and I thoughtu it was so beautiful but after researching it seem to me that they were everywhere and I lost a little bit of interest because I gravitate toward more unique items ( they need to sing a song to my heart ) so as a little tme passed she started to lower the price . Im talking about a machine that is in the very best condition with all original feet and case and most important to me decals and minimal scratches. Now I am tempted because she is now at 150.00 for the price but with all these issues I have seen I guess I will let it go and keep saving for my janome 6600.

I have 2 and love them for piecing. I take them to retreats and classes. That being said, I use my Janome or one of my vintage machines at home. I have a couple of treadles and a Singer 15-91 that I love for machine quilting. I think the FWs have their place and are good at what they do. I wouldn't want one for my only machine, but I plan on keeping Phoebe and Fiona around for as long as I'm around.

I have 3 featherweights, 2 are black & one is tan. I like sewing with them when I'm piecing quilts at quilting bee or classes.
One of the black featherweights will soon be painted a dark purple, her decals and paint are in sad shape. She does sew a beautiful stitch, will look so much prettier with new paint and decals.
I made a mid-wale corduroy jacket with a FW, not problem sewing even the thicker seams. I used a zig zag machine to finish the raw edges on the seams.
Sharon

For those of you who have mentioned a jumping around issue with a FW.... I have an 8X12" piece of mesh carpet padding under mine. It does NOT move.

My featherweight is my RV(camping) machine. Doesn't take up much space and great for piecing and then the quilt blocks and/or tops come home to be completed.

My only problem with my FW is that the foot pedal sticks and has to fixed frequently. However, that might be MY problem, because I've had to replace the foot pedal on my last two machines. Other than that, I love my FW!


As for speed, who cares? I think using the FW is very calming, and my 1/4" seams are a lot more accurate with it than my Janome Heart Truth.

I have 4, 2 black ones a shimmering green one a shimmering blue one, they are set up all the time on my singer treadle tables, as are 4 of my pfaff 7570's, I love my little singers and would not trade them. If I go to a class they are so easy to take along. and My 4H girls have been using the Pfaffs but want to learn how to use the featherweights, so next project we will all be using the little gals. and they are so so cute!!!

I think they are cute, and I have one, but they aren't my favorite machine to sew on for some reason. I love vintage machines, but this one just isn't one I use. It is touted as a favorite to travel with, but I find it rather heavy. Maybe I'm just a weakling. I have loan it out to friends when their machines are out of service, otherwise it wouldn't get used.

There are LED replacement bulbs available on E-Bay that don't get hot.

I always take my fw with me when I'm piecing a quilt top...it's the best at that...I just cruise along.