I am glad you said you don't like FW either, I don't feel so bad now with so many likeing them. I just think it is a wimpy machines compared to the good old ladies.

Gloria has such a pretty case.

FW have always been expensive in my area. I've never needed a portable sewing machine so I could never justify the cost.

Gloria is a very pretty machine and has a wonderful case. I can't read the date on the receipt. How old is she?

On another hand, I do like my FW machines. They are small, but mine aren't wimpy! I've sewn through 6-8 layers at a time on them. Granted, I don't sew through that many all the time, but once in a while I need to and they just plow through it with no trouble at all. I don't expect my vintage Singers to do that all the time either.

Glenn,
That's a very pretty hand crank machine. (wipes up puddle of drool) :)

I like the FW machines, they sew well and are perfect to take to quilt classes and sew-ins. I made a corduroy jacket with a FW and she a very good job too, it was a purple midwale corduroy. I used my Bernina 1031 to zig zag the raw edges.
Sharon

My mom has a FW - I know she sewed her silk wedding dress, she re-upholstered the couch, she repaired the canvas on the camper and she sewed just about anything on that machine. Not wimpy. I just don't like the bobbin area of the machine. For me it was nothing but a headache - give me something easier to clean up.

Glenn,

Love you GLORIA, she is beautiful. But, the FW is a mighty little sm. I've sewn through thickness that I can't get my 401A to start through. Try it again and she what we are saying to you. It will definitely grow on you.

Glenn,

Love you GLORIA, she is beautiful. But, the FW is a mighty little sm. I've sewn through thickness that I can't get my 401A to start through. Try it again and she what we are saying to you. It will definitely grow on you.

Sorry about the double post, I have to re-acquaint myself to the system, I have not bee around in a while. Hello everyone.

You know, I have to admit I'm digging my new featherweight. I never thought I'd like them much... but I was surprised. I haven't set her (Brenda) any challenges yet but I'm looking forward to it. I'm also looking forward to using it to teach the kids to sew, as I think it will be a nice machine for that... that or the handcrank.

Hey, I'm back inside the Phoenix 283F - there's thread wrapped around the thing at the back of the bobbin race. Really wish I knew the right lingo for this! There is one screw on the bobbin race and I can't budge it. I've tried oil and heat, WD40 and heat. Nuthin. I'm presuming that if I can remove this screw, I can take the piece out and gain direct access to the bit that needs cleaning. Any tips?? I need something else I can try.

Glenn, beautiful Gloria machine. Shame I can't help with any insider knowledge ;)

Joe, I hope you're feeling better!!!

Like many people who haul machines around to classes and such, I had to have a Featherweight. I just never could get to the point I liked to sew on it--just too small for my liking. I finally sold the whole set up (table, etc.). I still have one around here somewhere I need to clean up and resell, but guess I'd have to find it first. Little fellow is easily lost. The 301's are nice, but again, never could get into really sewing on them, so have sold most of the ones I had--still have a couple on the work bench. The two I generally use for classes and retreats are a very small Sears treadle that has been reworked to hold a Singer 99, and a Japanese class 15 that happens to be aluminum. It's the only one I've ever found, and the one that gets the most use lately.
Heavy rains here over the week, and on the 4th, I discovered water in the garage--of course, in the back where machines are stored. I had to move a lot of machines (several warped bottoms on wooden cases--sigh), buy a new dehumidifier, wait for it to dry out, and then seal it. I've put some machines back on a raised platform, but haven't moved the rest yet. Really need to "do something" about the treadles in the garage......