Replies

1. 
   solosmocker | Nov 19, 2007 02:32am | #1

   He certainly sounds like a keeper! I have a Featherweight 221 in white from 1952. I am saving it for my grandaughter. I occasionally use it for topstitching as it stitches so beautifully. solo

2. 
   Lilith1951 | Nov 19, 2007 03:41am | #2

    Me, too, me too!!  I love my FW's.  I started out with one black one (c. 1951's) and then husband thought I should have two (got the 2nd one very cheap) because we have two daughters to leave them to.  Neither of them sews, but nevertheless, when it's time to divy things up, it might help.  But he threw the whole plan off recently when we got a terrific buy on eBay, winning a pretty white (greenish) one for only $180. 

    This one is newer--probably made just before the stopped making them, but I love having the white one.  I had to replace the belt and my local Singer shop said I could either use the standard black belt or the plastic one that was the same size.  He said the plastic one would actually hold up longer.  I was tickled because it's pink!  So my pretty white machine has a pink belt on it.  Too bad I don't have a granddaughter (yet) to give it to.  Maybe someday.........

   Enjoy your wonderful machine Gail Ann.  That's a great Christmas present!

    

3. 
   meg | Nov 19, 2007 01:47pm | #3

   One of my co-workers asked me to come evaluate some fabrics and things from her mother's sewing room after the mother died. I was allowed to take whatever I wanted. On the floor was a black case, and by its' weight I thought it must be a sewing machine. My friend told me to take it; I said that I'd research it and pay her a fair price. Turns out it was a 1938-ish FW, WELL used. I called a place I'd found online to see what it might be worth. This repair shop told me that they pay between $25 and $200 for machines, then re-condition them. He gave me a few tips to check out and from what I told him, he suggested that I offer my friend the lower side of the suggested price range. I wrote a check for $50 to my friend (she doesn't sew and simply wanted her mother's sewing stuff to go to people who would use and appreciate them). She wrote me a note, saying that she'd really been hoping for $49.95, but would go ahead and cash my check anyway. Her grandmother used the machine to make doll clothes to sell. After cleaning it up (it was positively filthy and I resisted the urge to put it in the dishwasher) it runs marvelously well.

1. 
   GailAnn | Nov 19, 2007 10:22pm | #4

   Dear Meg:

   I hope you love, enjoy, and use your Featherweight

   I, too, paid $50 for my first little green/white machine.  A man cleaning out his wife's things as she had dementia.  I knew it was worth more than that and offered more, but he wouldn't hear of it.  It's a good little workhorse!  Gail

4. 
   zuwena | Nov 19, 2007 11:55pm | #5

   I am truly jealous.  I don't have one but I made a friend's daughter's wedding dress on hers when she collapsed under the strain of the wedding preparations.  This was 35 years ago and I have never forgotten how fabulously it sewed.  Anyone who wants to put me in the Will can do so.  Enjoy your machines.  Z