Dumb question - but what's the deal with Featherweights? Why are they so sought after?

Small and portable and also very good machines. Nostalgia?

I think Rose Marie hit it on the head with both counts.

I learned to sew on one...my sister has it now, and I'd trade her nearly anything I own to get my hands on it!

NOT a dumb question... ;)

Thanks ladies. Inquiring minds want to know! (LOL)

Easy maintenance due to no bells and whistles. I've heard they sew a great straight stitch.

I think it's mostly the cuteness factor! LOL

They are also easy to teach a child to use. The children think it's a big deal to use their special machine.

There are so very CUTE!

Yes, they're cute.. but I think for those that "go" to piece at classes or group functions, workshops, etc. they are the lightest portable with the best straight stitch for traveling. They are little workhorses and that's why there are so many still around. A real quality machine.

FW were made specifically for the female sewer to do all the repairs if any, on it. Machine repairmen were few and far between in rural areas so this was a major selling point. The machines were built to last for generations. They are very light weight. I take my FW to classes in a tote bag. It sews a stitch to rival any high end machine today. That's all it was built for, a perfect stitch. It took me many years to finally find one. Now I can pass it on to my one and only Grandbabygirl.

Lately I've been thinking I "need" another machine. May have to look for one of these. DH will wonder what's up since I just got a fancy Viking.