My machine tech. has lots of experience with f. weights, and also works on them. He has done a great job with mine, and several friends in guild.
He does work helping people find a machine. He is very trustworthy, and won't rip you off.
I know SE Ks. is a fair distance from Indiana, but just an idea for you if you don't fine one closer.

I got mine at a flea market. Had not been used very much, was reconditioned and ready to go, and sews like a dream. I know the price ranges and the price seems to come and go with the demand. I paid $500 for mine, about 2005. At that time, lots of people wanted one to take on trips to S. Florida, Texas, ect, for spending the Winters. Haven't heard as much about that lately, so maybe the demand is down right now.
If you want my tech's info, let me know.
Mariah

At the time, I had 5 machines & a sit-down quilting machine. Did not need FW but wanted one bad enough that I even did the embroidery one because I figured that was the only way I would get one. Soon after, I found "Gracie" (George is the sit-down quilter so naturally the FW had to be Gracie) & have never looked back. Got online, learned to clean & oil, & am registered for Nova Montgomery's class w/our guild in September. Can't wait to get her spa treatment & then she will be good as new!! Enjoy yours! Kathy

I had a bit of trouble "bonding" with my Featherweight at first, but now we are good friends. :)

One plus for me is that I'm a big TV watcher, and I can sew away on the Featherweight and still hear the TV show I'm watching, because the little clackety-clackety of the machine is very quiet.

[QUOTE=Mariah;
I know SE Ks. is a fair distance from Indiana, but just an idea for you if you don't fine one closer."

Good to know if I ever get stumped. Not that far from Topeka.

Thanks for all the great answers! I don't make quilts or go on retreats so that's a non-starter... But it doesn't make me want one less!

Prices are all over. I passed on a really good looking one on eBay last night that closed at $290. Others have gone for $400.

I don't know if I want a white, black or beige machine. I guess I'll keep looking and know my machine when I see it.

Thanks again,
Karen

Vancouver Island

I have a FW circa 1947. It has had pretty constant use since I received it in the sixty's as a gift. The decals have just about rubbed off, the turn wheel has notches out of it (how did that happen? Who knows!) It sews a beautiful stitch and never balks at sewing heavier fabrics. I, also, have a Babylock that has given me a lot of grief but I do use it if I need a zig zag stitch or some other special stitch but, since I mostly piece quilts, sew pillow cases, simple children's dresses, throw pillow covers, etc. the straight stitch works just great for me. ... I just do French seams as a general rule. Others have mentioned Nova Montgomery...she, also, repairs FW's and you can get on her newsletter and she will give you all sorts of info on maintaining your machine. I'm sure if you get one you will love it. I wish I could afford another one. Miracles do happen though. I heard of one lady who bought one from Goodwill for $25!!! so I'll keep looking.

I was lucky enough to have this one gifted to me by a friend. Never thought I wanted one but, now, would never part with it. Mine is a 221 from 1939 and very, very small. you can see it compared to my normal-sized iron. It sews like a dream too.

That is tiny! I want one. I SO want one. Have to choose a color, or maybe I'll just keep looking and hope one talks to me.

Karen I have to tell you, I felt like you do, I wanted one but I refuse to pay the outrageous prices for the cuteness factor. I waited and watched for two years before I found one and finally scooped one up for $50. In all honesty, yes it's cute and all but it's just too small for me to take it seriously. I like the muscle factor of my full size vintage machines so I rarely use it and will be giving it to my GD in a few years. Just last year I totally scooped on an original cabinet for it at a garage sale for $25. The deals are out there if you're willing to be patient. And as for color, depending on which one you want the prices go way up. Besides the three mentioned, the rarest FW is the crinkle finish.

Cari

Karen, I have to agree with Cari about prices. They seem to have gone through the roof. However, if you search around and wait awhile you may be able to score one for a reasonable price. They're out there :) I paid quite a bit for my white one but my others were much more reasonable.