Why is everyone buying the old sewing machines?
03-06-2011, 09:04 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Quilting somewhere......
Posts: 2,591
I don't have a featherweight and probably won't get one, unless I find one at an incredible price. That said, I do have some older machines. I wanted to find a treadle like my Mom and Mamaw used. Both of these precious ladies are gone and finding a machine was kind of like link to them.
The other old machines just drew me to them. I loved the look of a Rocketeer and found one in a cabinet in excellent condition for only $10.00. And my 301A is to use for FMQ. It has wonderful reviews and I hope to try it when I feel more comfortable with my quilting.
The other old machines just drew me to them. I loved the look of a Rocketeer and found one in a cabinet in excellent condition for only $10.00. And my 301A is to use for FMQ. It has wonderful reviews and I hope to try it when I feel more comfortable with my quilting.
03-06-2011, 10:51 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 2,943
I bought my FW because it is so lightweight and portable. It was too much to lug my everyday machine to weekly quilting group. Also, I can do my own maintenance and have a lot of help in that area here.
I plan on what I take to the weekly group so I only have to straight sew while there ... or do some hand work type thing like trimming blocks or tracing patterns or such.
ali
I plan on what I take to the weekly group so I only have to straight sew while there ... or do some hand work type thing like trimming blocks or tracing patterns or such.
ali
03-06-2011, 12:51 PM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: washington
Posts: 1,424
Originally Posted by KatFish
I LOVE my old Singers. They sew a perfect strait stitch, are easy to maintain myself and the Feather Weight weighs 10lbs. It is very light take to class machine. I also like sewing with a machine that is much, much, older than I am and still is a real work horse.
03-06-2011, 02:12 PM
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
The old machines are work horses and much easier to maintain. If my old 306W ever gives up ... I will try to replace with the same if I can find one. It handles whatever I want to put thought it and I have always prefered the knee control over the foot petal.
The old featherweights are legondary for there perfect straight stitch.
They really just don't make them like they use to !
The old featherweights are legondary for there perfect straight stitch.
They really just don't make them like they use to !
03-06-2011, 02:25 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Edgewater, FL
Posts: 924
Is one year any better than another?
Originally Posted by 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....
03-06-2011, 04:37 PM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Noblesville, IN
Posts: 1,294
I have old Singers because they remind me of my grandma and they are just so easy to use. I have two FWS for free because they were in a relative's shed and he wanted someone from our family to use them. They won't be sold, just used.
03-06-2011, 04:56 PM
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW
Posts: 7,940
People seem to be paying outrageous prices for Featherweights (221's). There are other very light machines out there by Singer around the same time period. Like the 99's...I just bought a 99-13 made in 1928..don't have it yet, but it's a 3/4 size machine, with the same very sturdy all metal mechanicals, and it's light weight also. I recently bought a 301a, and it is also not heavy, and it will be my partner for classes and guild meetings. I got each of these machines for far less than $100, and with a little "spit & shine" and a little oiling, they will both be working great shortly.
03-06-2011, 05:07 PM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: state of confusion
Posts: 4,541
I don't have a featherweight, but I do have a treadle. I remember my great grandmother sewing on hers, and I remember that hers got destroyed with some house damage (fire? flood? I was too little when that happened).
I found one at what I thought was a reasonable price, and just went for it. They're slowly disappearing, and nothing is made the same as it used to be.
I found one at what I thought was a reasonable price, and just went for it. They're slowly disappearing, and nothing is made the same as it used to be.
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