txstitcher

My grandmother had a Featherweight that my mother sold in a garage sale when I was a teenager. ack! I would love to have that Singer, but thought I'd try to find one with the same year model as she had. My cousin believes my grandmother bought her Featherweight in 1957. However, I remember the case specifically had a leather handle that she had duct taped after it starting wearing out.

Did 1957 Featherweights have leather handles on the case?

Thanks,
Michelle

txstitcher

Another quick note...she also had the black/wood table and stool that went with the Featherweight. Were these also available in 1957?

Caroline S

This information is from Nancy Johnson-Strebo's book Featherweight 221 The Perfect Portable. Beginning in the mid 1950s Featherweights were supplied by Type Three black cases. Two kinds of black plastic handles were used. One type is smooth and the other type has a raised ridge in the center. So I am going to assume that if your grandmother's Featherweight had a case with a leather handle then it possible it predates 1950 and she may have purchased it used. If you want to know all there is to know about a Featherweight consider purchasing the book. I refer to mine all the time. The book even contains a reprint of the Singer 221 manual.

txstitcher

Caroline, Thank you so much for the information! I am going to purchase that book! I didn't even know about it. I really think my grandmother's sewing machine was younger than 1957. As far as I know she purchased it new with the table and stool as well. I'm hoping other family members will be able to help me out on dating it.

Thanks again for all the information. I'm going to order that book right now!