LAQUITA

In YOUR opinion why do you have a FW?
What is so 'special' about having one?
If I purchase one what should I look for?
Thanks again!

grammyp

I love them because they have a beautiful stitch. Since they are so light they are great for taking to classes and retreats. I would take one that sews smoothly and has all it's parts over one that looks perfect any day.

Charlee

I have a featherweight because of several reasons:

1. I learned to sew on my mother's (which my sister now has) and the nostalgia is a strong pull.
2. It has a beautiful straight stitch, but so do all of the vintage straight stitch only machines.
3. It's very portable. Weighing in at 11.2 pounds, and with it's compact size, it's a breeze to take it to sewing groups or classes.
4. I simply like the looks of the old black Singers. The white and tan versions don't do much for me, altho I wouldn't turn one down if it was given to me, or I found one at an excellent price!

I don't know that there's anything terribly special about having one. Any good machine will do what the Featherweight does....sew a straight seam. Modern machines will do a lot more than that, without having to use attachments to do it with. Definitely a "luxury" item.

What to look for when purchasing? Depends on what you decide you want. Since I couldn't have my mother's machine, I decided that I wanted one that was made in 1956, like me! ;) Remember that the older Feathers had prettier faceplates with scrolls, while the "newer" models had straight line faceplates.
Otherwise look for the things that you'd look for in any used machine. Does it work? What comes with it? Look at the wiring, is it intact or will it need rewired? Are cosmetics important to you? You'll get a cheaper price (or should) on a Feather that has rubbed off decals, scratches, dings, ratty case, no attachments, no manual, etc. For one that "has it all....expect to pay more. Keep in mind that the attachments are "a dime a dozen" on ebay, with a few exceptions. (I just paid $25 on ebay this morning for a large assortment of attachments, along with a buttonholer and a zigzagger...mind you, I already have 99% of these, but can always use more (a set for each machine in my collection!!) AND, with all of the attachments that I already own for vintage machines, I did NOT have ONE ZIPPER FOOT!! :( )

It all boils down to the degree of "want"...you don't really NEED a Featherweight...ya gotta want one! ;)

Annaquilts

They are a collectors item and cute. They also do a nice straight stitch and are fun and easy to take to class. It is basicaly a luxury but it can be your one and only machine to piece on and make tops. It is a bit small for quilting but it is possible. The number one thing to look for is if it works, runs and if the bobbin area is working and has everything. Wiring can and most likely will need to be replaced at some time. Next is how are the the paint and the gold decal striping. The whip cream is a nice none stinky case with the tray and all the attachments. They should be a good investment. I have several because DH buys them and fixes them along with other vintage sewing machines. It is his flowers for the wife.

QuicklyQuilting

I like FWs because they were made to last. Fws were designed so that the home sewer can do the maintenance and minor repairs her/himself. They very rarely really need to go into the "shop". The Featherweight and I, by David McCallum is a really good book that explains most simple repairs. It is well worth the price.
The main thing that you should look for is rust. A machine with worn decals, pin marks and scratches can sew just as nice a stitch as a bright and shiny "perfect" one. The more perfection the more you should expect to pay. There are some fetures that are rare or unusual that can effect the price. Be sure to get an intruction book, either an original, a copy of an original or the little purple book. You will need one of these so that you will know how to maintain your baby.

Jennalyn

Personally, I think my FW is adorable and I desperately needed a more portable machine to take to quilting bees and the like. It sews a beautiful stitch, it's got that vintage charm, and it pieces marvelously well.

Also, for me, its portability means that I can toss it in and out of its case on a daily basis. My bedroom is extremely small and I sew on an armoire with a flip-out table base that doubles as its cabinet front. I'm constantly opening and closing the work surface, meaning that my machine is constantly going in and out of the cabinet. The FW couldn't be better for that!

sgardner

I'm appreciating everyone's replies. Food for thought!

LAQUITA

THANK YOU ALL for the replies. This helpos me out ALOT!!

I will call first thing in the moening and see if I can make an appointment to 'test drive' her.
Ill update you all tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks again for the encouragment and help!

MoMiMi

I grew up watching my Mother sew on one and she was an alterntaions lady. She sewed every day and loved it. They are work horses.

sueisallaboutquilts

I couldn't say it any better than Charlee. I LOOOVE mine!!
Use it all the time :)