so-sew

I've developed an appreciation for Featherweights after hearing many of your praises for them. I'm not, however, wanting to spend the money that most ask for one because it's just a novelty, not a necessity. Not to mention I've been spending way too much money on sewing related articles lately. Yesterday, I thought I would stroll through our local antique mall in search of old Singers, hoping I would find a Featherweight at a price I would feel comfortable paying. I didn't find a Featherweight, but I did find a Singer 301 in what appears to be a complete and fair, if not good, condition. I plugged it in and, at first, it was loud and sick sounding, but soon seemed to settle into a normal sounding rumble. Of course I hadn't brought fabric, so I was sewing on a brown paper towel, and their wasn't a spool of thread, only a length of thread about two feet long. The stitches were somewhat loose, perhaps due to the towel and short thread, and I didn't have a chance to test the bobbin winder. Also, it has a very strong "old" smell to it, especially the case. Now that I've given you more details than you care to hear, I'll tell you the price on it is $69. What do you think? Good deal, or pass it up and move on? Should I be concerned about that initial growling? I don't want to have it serviced, but would rather clean the ol'
gal up myself. Any advice about self servicing her? (Incidently, it's black and sweet, but not cute as a button like the Featherweights.) Words of wisdom wanted.

ohstr

I am thrilled to hear that you are willing to give the vintage Singer machines a chance. I have Featherweights and do not consider them a novelty. They are a wonderful workhorse for their size, but I do agree that the prices that people are asking for them can be a bit daunting. They are a perfect machine to take to class - or on vacation as I have done. I also have Singer 301 machines and absolutely love them. They are a fantastic machine and I use this machine for piecing and I have even done some machine quilting on them. If you have the chance at a 301 for $69.00 I would say grab it and have it serviced - yo will never be sorry. Good luck and hope you will come to enjoy your vintage Singer.

Sue in PA

hazeljane

I've been searching for a 301 under $100.00. You can easily clean them up and they will run forever. I prefer the 301, because it's a bit larger than the featherweight, but still a portable weight and easy to bring to a class or wherever. Excellent find! Check out the vintage machine thread here and you will find all the information you need to make her glow and hum....

sueisallaboutquilts

I would grab it! And the black ones are harder to find.
You can clean it up yourself I bet. Also check with Lostn51 or Charlee in the machine shop section.

sueisallaboutquilts

About Featherweights- yes they are wonderful but right now they are so ridiculously priced. I hope you find one when you're least expecting it. :)
I love my 301 !!

oldswimmer

I would go for it!

quiltinghere

get it - it probably needs a little cleaning, oiling and greasing (yes there is a difference between oiling and greasing)

Let's see the pic when you buy it

QuiltnCowgirl

If you don't want it I do & will pay you to get it & ship it to me! Great machine, can do FMQ with it, yet light enough to take to quilting classes. Wish I could find one, especially at that price. Go for it!

dunster

I'm looking for a 301 too. I want a black one with a long bed.

The 301 is known as the "big sister" to the featherweight. It weighs a bit more, but is still light enough to take to classes, and has that handle on top that makes it easy to carry. I would probably point out all the problems with the one in the shop, then offer $20. They would probably counter, but you should be able to get it for less than the asking price.

sewwhat85

i would get it but i am addicted