Maia B

They're cute, less than 12lbs (which is as light as the plastic prtables of today), sew a perfect straight stitch, can be serviced and maintained by the owner, have MANY attachments both vintage and modern for a myriad of applications including ruffles and buttonholes, they are cute, they represent an era of quality American and (Scottish) craftsmanship, they are reliable and can be repaired just about forever, and did I mention that they are cute? I don't mind folks who don't like them, more for me....

hobbykat1955

Thanks for asking the question I was wondering the samething. Though, I have my old Singer in cabinet that was my grandmothers it's all rusty and I'm sure not working. Maybe I'll take a second look and rescue it and tkae it for refurbish...

emerald46

FWs only weigh 11 lbs and they sew beautifully. If you find one (or more) in pristine condition, as I was lucky enough to do, they will last forever. As the saying goes, they don't make them like that anymore!

TexasSunshine

I paid $50 for mine, had to do some cleanup on it, sews great and is so cute.

thepolyparrot

I don't have a Featherweight, although I would like to have one in my collection, one of these days.

I buy the old sewing machines because they sew like can't believe until you've tried it. :)

A big old tank of a Kenmore or Singer in a solid cabinet is pure stability when you're wrestling with a king-size quilt and trying to get it quilted.

So smooth - because they're so heavy! Think about how a Cadillac or a Grand Marquis just sails along and glides down the road. That's what the old sewing machines do.

I learned how to sew on a 1956 Singer and trying to find its twin is what got me started on collecting the old machines.

I've been learning how to refubish them myself and I only rarely have to resort to a repair shop - as when replacing the two internal belts inside my Kenmores - that's not a job for a home hobbyist without special tools.

I can strip the machines and clean them and put them back together and they're beautiful and nostalgic... and they sew! Oh, do they sew! And a few of them sing you a happy little song while they do it! :)

quilter711

I wanted my Singer 301 after sewing with an old Singer and saw the perfect stitch. The Singer 301 has no belt ~ gear driven ~ feed dogs drop for FMQ ~ is portable ~ no computer ~ you can maintain and fix yourself (this is the best feature)! What more could you ask for?

Happy Quilting!

hazeljane

For me, the reason is the same one for my new machine being a Juki- all metal parts, you can clean and oil yourself, and if you care for them, they never die, unlike the newer computerized machines.

Featherweights, (Singer 221s) people like to take to classes. Most of the older machines are too heavy to lift easily. I am buying a 301, which is slightly bigger than a featherweight, but still portable. And my 15-91 will sew through absolutely anything without slowing down.

The old machines were designed for heavy use, and designed to last forever, unlike the newer machines. My Juki remains my go to machine, because I am spoiled by the thread cutter, but well made, easy to repair, and easy to operate are all worth having.

CarrieAnne

I dont have a FW, but I do have some vintage machines. I just think they are so neat looking, and I have gotten them for so cheap at rummage sales!

BellaBoo

I have the white color Featherweight. It's so cute and sews a perfect stitch. It's a little smaller then the black Featherweights. I take it to classes and can easily sit it about anywhere and sew. Easy to maintain, just clean and oil, nothing to get out of whack and dependable. I have a Singer 301 and it's a workhorse. No tension problems, no stitch problems, sews with any type of thread, it sews smooth is how I describe it. I read and heard from many machine dealers the machine that get the title of the best machine ever made is given to the Singer Rocketeer model. It was the one I really wanted but in my search I was GIVEN the FW and 301 and don't need the Rockeeter, want one but don't need it. LOL.

jaciqltznok

now you know...when it comes to the famous singer FW it is more about style, portability and a bit of vanity...when it comes to other makes of machines is more about durability, ease of repairs, and affordability.

which leads me to another good thought/thread!