Featherweights
 

I've been hearing so much about featherweights lately. What exactly are they? Are they antique or new? Where can I find them and are they really as good as I've heard? Thanks to all.

My 2 are Singer antiques and not only are they the cutest, they sew a straight stitch like no other machine and are so easy to maintain/service, love my 1957 222K(Stanley, came from an old fella that sewed everything he could get his hands on)and my little 1968 white(Blanche).

I have the white (celery) color FW. It's a great straight stitch portable machine. The only con is the light cover gets very hot. Anyone know of a led bulb that will fit?

I am like you got to know about them recently. They are old singer machines and I think (someone correct me pls) they come in 221 model and 222 model and go back to the 1930s or 1940s. They are so darn cute. I bought two in one month but then sent out one to get it refurbished to like new (new paint and all) and it is a beauty. I have the other one which is in a perfect working condition if you are interested pm me as I only need one as decoration in my sewing room :D

Sorry have no idea how to fix the pic

I have a 221 that was built in 1936, her name is Rose.....and I absolutely adore this machine. I have a Bernina embroidery machine that cost twice what my last used car cost me that does everything but make dinner, and a Husqvarna that is a wonderful little work horse, but I just smile when I use the FW. These little ones have history, and they stitch beautifully. Mine cost me $200 (including case, booklet and loads of attachments, along with the book written about FW's) - and it was worth every penny.

A site that is a good reference for all things Featherweight is:

http://singer-featherweight.com/

I got my Aunt Betty Lou (the person who told me I could sew at age 3) from a pawn store for $250 and she's a beauty born in 1929. she's so cute. I want a metal toy one from the 30-50's next. tried getting one, but lost out on it. so sew sad:(

I've had mine for five or six years now. It has become my primary use machine. You will be hard pressed to find a machine that does a nicer straight stitch. It is also light weight and easy to transport if needed. I've used it mainly for piecing but have done stitch in the ditch for an almost twin sized quilt, plus used it to construct a full length lined semicircle hooded cape. Although it is a small machine, the harp size is almost the same as most new inexpensive machines because they have much thicker pedestals and arch across the top.

Lynnie, you must be mistaken about the date of your Featherweight. Featherweights were not introduced until 1933 and the last of them were made in the late 1960's. I once worked for a Singer dealership and the last brand new Featherweight that I saw sold was in 1970 and the owner of the shop had that machine in his store for some time before it finally went out the door.

My FW is a 1952. They are lite weight, so great for classes and sew beautifully. I use mine for paperpiecing. Beautiful little machines. I love mine!!