I guess this might be a stupid question but here goes: what's so great about the old black sewing machines? My mother has Grandma's which she'd probably be willing to "lend" me. It is still in great shape. I already have three other newer machines and was just wondering what the advantage of having Grandma's machine would be. I mainly do paper-pieced quilts. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

When you are talking about the old black Singers you are talking about durability, ease of service, beauty of stitch and reliability. These old machines are true work horses. They are made of all metal - most of the new machines are plastic an aluminum. The old ones last FOREVER!!!!! Always a true gem to own. And one of the best aspects is that tey are so easy to clean and maintain. They almost NEVER need to go to the shop. You can EASILY do all of the require maintenance.

And they are pretty if they have lots of nice decals, lightweight in the case of Featherweights, stitch a mean straight stitch, some can be had that are hand crank or treadle, so work without electricity, won't lose their value because they are vintage, and can be of enormous sentimental value.

Lesley and Jane said it well. Plus, these old machines are strong enough to power through denim, upholstery, and drapery fabric. I used to hate making ruffles until I discovered the ruffler attachment that came with one of my machines. The buttonholer attachment makes buttonholes every bit as nice as the modern machines, even on a treadle.

In addition to all of the above, I've been told (numerous times) that there isn't a modern machine made that can sew as fine a straight stitch as the old featherweights. Not even the $10,000 Berninas.

I agree with all of the above. I have a treadle, a vintage electric in a cabinet and a featherweight. All work great and have a wonderful stitch, plus, there is plenty of room in the throat/harp to manage a big quilt.

The vintage Singers have a 30 per inch stitch length. The paper will fall off the fabric if you use it for paper piecing. I have never figured out why 30 per inch setting was needed. I think every sewer should have one vintage machine for a back up. They are cheap (except the FW) and will last for generations.

It IS a Featherweight. I guess I'll ask Mama to send it homw with me next time I visit. She has a white one too.

Sew on it and you will know.... typically beautiful straight stitch... and tough as can be.... Take it and use it and never look back!! LOL... it really is harder on them to sit than be used, so take her and exercise her I bet you'll fall in love.

There is nothing good about them at all... they are just awful and something you don't want to mess with. Just give me a call and I'll get rid of them all for you. (Bwahhh, haaa, haa...)

As the lucky and proud owner of 4 of those old, black machines
I can tell you the continued reliability is a huge plus! Everytime
I sit down to sew, she is still there working hard and sure as
She did 75 years ago. I've seen those lovely new computerized
Machines on Craigslist and Freecycle in need of new mother boards and other
Computer components.
Our simple, lovely old black machines will never have complex, expensive electronics issues. They're just not made that way!
If you have the opportunity to work with this charming
Piece of history, I say jump on it! You just don't know what
You're missing.
:-)
Lori

hey all you lucky ladies who have more than one FW there are a lot of us still out here wanting just one little sweetie.

Girl, run to that phone and call Momma. Have her send you both of them. :lol: :lol:

guess i should take a closer look at the sewing machine in my attic not sure who it belonged to as i never asked my husbands mom it has been there since i lived in the house for52 years

Let us know what you find up there it could be a Featheweight just waiting to make you happy, from sitting up there alone all this time.

RUN LOOK !!! let us know

From the discussions I have seen, it seems that the Singer Featherweight is the most desirable machine to have. Is that true? I have would like to get one, but need to decide on one model to look for. What is the definition of a Featherweight? Is there a model number or what years where they made? Any information would be helpful. thanks!

I have a feather weight and love it it is light weight and easy to take to classes etc. and absolutely wonderful for paper piecing it seems like it was made for that I really love it I also have a Pfaff and a Bernina but I really do use mr FW

Here's what I've googled on the web. I have been trying to educate myself as well.
http://www.planetpatchwork.com/fweight.htm
http://www.singer-featherweight.com/
http://singerfeatherweight221.com/
http://www.sewmuse.co.uk/singer%20featherweight.htm

If anyone knows of additional informative sites - please post!

If you do paper piecing the old machines are perfect as they do straight stitches perfect. All metal you will not wear one out if you take care of it. Clean & oil often.

just search this forum for "vintage sewing machines", what is so great about old sewing machines", etc...there has to be at least one topic a week on this!

preserving the past would be my guess...I'm looking for a treadle now and then I might be happy with what I have LOL

You need to visit the Vintage Sewing Machine Shop here on the board.......there are 1030 pages on vintage machines!

A true Singer Featherweight is a 221 (222 is a free arm version - hard to find and expensive). There are white (or light-light-light green) 221 and they are really expensive.

There is a new 'Featherweight' that is being sold and it is TRASH [sue me Singer but it is the truth]. It is almost totally plastic. That is how they are able to call it a 'featherweight' = lightweight.

That white one is REALLY worth some money. They are rare - not many were produced. The insides are true Featherweight, just the color is different.

Thanks for your help! I'll be checking out craigslist!!

There's nothing like those old Singers. When my son was young I could not find jeans that were the right length for him. So I cut off a pair and tried to hem them. My new Singer wouldn't budge over the seams. I set up my mother's old treadle Singer which she purchased "used" in the 1930s, and over that thick seam we went -- never even slowed down.

A few years ago I was at a garage sale. They had many old machines for sale. they were all rusty and he had them laying on the ground. No black paint left and they were not working. Is there any way to clean them in this condition to get them working again. They were $1.00 ea.

wow u might have one gem of a machine up there. run fast and go look.

I rarely use my "new" machine. I use my vintage Singer 66 or my Necchi. I use my featherweight for classes. I'm actually considering selling my "new" machine.

Marie

Yes, I agree that the older machines that are not computerized are the best!

There are some people who re-paint those in cool colors. As for repairing check out the Vintage Sewing Machine Shop on this board. The members of the VSMS are very knowledgable and helpful. There are also tutorials on cleaning.

Marie

i just like having an antique machine. i don't sew with mine

Which machine--despite the cost--can sew and wind the bobbin at the same time? Re: Page 10 at the bottom-Singer 15-88 manual. Singer treadle can.

Grab it and run!!! You are lucky to get one from a family member. I had to buy mine.

So what is considered vintage? I have my mom's Singer 404, Tan and cream colored, that I remember her buying 50 years ago. is that machine considered vntage?

It works fine and I use it as my backup becase my new (November 2010) Singer has been in the shop twice because the bobbin keeps jamming. They sure don't make them like they used to!!!!

You may also want to check out the Singer 301a. It is the big sister to the Featherweight. I have 2 FW's (a white one and a black one) and one 301- love them all but I probably use the 301 the most. Both are just awesome! I also have a Viking Sapphire 875 and a Babylock Ellure Plus...but love the old Singers the best :)

Dear Tappedants,

I agree with the one who commented on they are awful little machines I really don't think you want either of them I can help get rid of them for you............ooooooohhhhhhhhh stop stop I just recalled I am your long lost sister "Quilty" your mom probably just forgot about me and she needs to send both those machines to me well okay I will be nice I have to FW with the gold on them so I will take the white one and let you keep the black one and we can play together how does that sound (lol) Of course if you realllllllllllyyyyyyyyy don't want them I will be glad to take them off your hands. Enjoy the machines you lucky person you and take them while your mom is still around so no one else will just mess with them.

I would consider that, vintage.

I have my Mom's 403 and consider it vintage as it's all metal. I can do my own servicing also.

I was lucky enough to score a 1927 electric Singer 66 mounted in a large floor wooden cabinet this past Saturday at a local thrift shop. It needs a little work but with all the accessories that came with it, I just couldn't pass it up. The accessories alone are worth more than the $50.00 I paid for it. So check out those thrift stores too.