Originally Posted by pumpkinpatchquilter

I use mine almost exclusively for piecing. TAKE IT! ;)

First of all they are antiques, they don't make them anymore, so you'll own a little bit of history.

Second they can be EXPENSIVE! I have heard stories of them going for $20 at a yard sale or being passed down in families...but people know what they are so those good bargains are far and few between anymore. I got a bug up my butt and had to have one a few years ago and ended up paying over $300. On the upside it was refurbished and from a sewing center so at least I knew it was in good working order. But they are solid machines and really last forever. Many of the electrical parts that go bad are still replaceable and you can find just about anything on Ebay.

Third, they are portable. This is why they were such a hot item in the 30's, 40's, and 50's when they came out! I take mine camping and to guild meetings. It's a FEATHER weight! ;)

Fourth, they are outstandingly reliable. Featherweights are simple machines, unless really abused they really hold up for a long time.

Fifth, they piece like a dream. I love them because there is just a little hole where the needle goes in and out, other than an open exposed feed like on my other sewing machines. On my newer machines my fabric is always getting sucked down into that exposed area, but you don't have that issue with the featherweight.

Sixth...it's just really cute and fun to sew on. You can show off to all your friends when you get it! ;)

Did I mention you should TAKE IT! ;)

Originally Posted by MrsM

Okay then why own any other machine? Or am I missing something here?

Originally Posted by doowopddbop

They only weigh 11 pounds, so they're easy to tote for classes. Plus, they're cute!! I have a little re-painted red one that I won in a raffle (6 tickets for $5) She's a honey!

Originally Posted by leatheflea

Lightweight, I had never seen one until right before christmas. While shopping at a local sewing machine dealer a lady opens the door, she struggling to get through the door, the sales lady runs over and helps by taking he heavy box. She lugs it up on the counter and takes out this cute little sewing machine. Looks at me and says I dont know why they call these things featherweights. We played with the machine and talked about featherweight rage, and how the only good thing about them was the stitch and relability. I dont have one, would love one, but not for carrying to class, or the next room for that matter. Others here say they are lightweight?

Originally Posted by moonrise

Me too! Me too! I just got her yesterday, in fact! Her name is Cricket, and she was born January 23, 1950! :mrgreen:

Originally Posted by Nita

Moonrise ~ Can I ask you a question? Does your featherweight have the fancy scrolled face plate? The way the photo is taken, the face plate does not show. Here is why I ask: I own a 1955 Featherweight (her name is Fern, BTW) but I've been keeping my eyes open for one born in 1950 because that is my year of birth. However, if I'm going to end up with the exact same look, I think I might just stick with my ole'girl, Fern, since I know it is in great runnung condition, I've already had her tuned up by the local Singer man and I just cleaned and oiled it according to the David MacCallum book. I just need to clean and wax the exterior with Carnuba car wax and she will be ready to win a Featherweight Beauty contest!. So, I guess the only reason I might have to trade her in is if I could find one of those beautiful ornate looking machines in good running order. Does anyone know what was the last year that Singer stopped making Featherweights with the fancy scroll plate and frilly decal rather than the simple braid that Fern has?