I've flaked out again...
Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 5:10AM Remember the “it must have good lighting, needle up/down, knee lift, and thread cutter” statement I made, in my quest for a travel machine?
Anyone recall how much I loved sewing on my vintage Singer 201-2 because of the beautiful straight seams (like my adored Juki TL2010Q) but gave it up because of the tedious oiling?
Forget all that. I’ve decided on my travel machine. Wait for it….
Yep, a Singer Featherweight. LOL. While it doesn’t have any of the above criteria, what it does have is that perfect, elusive straight seam… durability plus the ability for self servicing, it’s extremely light weight… and it will fit into my Miata with no problem!
Forget the fact that they are absolutely adorable, and a collectors item. Uh oh…
So the hunt is on. Actually I’ve located two, if either of them are available I will purchase them. ONE of them I mean. My first choice is the 222k model, which is much harder to find. It’s the free-arm edition, made after the 221 standard Featherweights.
My second choice is a standard 221, simply because I saw it, fell in love with the incredible restoration and choice of paint color… a deep, rich Cabernet shade. The 222k that I would prefer is an original black in pristine condition.
While I would paint a 221, I don’t think I would do so to a 222k.
This way, I will be able to perfectly match my quarter inch seam from the Featherweight to the Juki, and finally be able to take a machine to sewing groups and work on whatever quilt I’m currently creating. I can’t achieve the same seam on any of my other machines to match the Juki, but since I can match them on the Singer 201-2 and the Juki, I know I’ll be able to on the Featherweight as well.
Go ahead. Laugh. LOL
Reader Comments (17)
There's nothing like the "thrill of the hunt", unless it's the "thrill of the find" (once one determines what the "find" needs to be)! Are you sure we aren't twins separated at birth??????????? ROFLOL!!!!-D
I'm not laughing. I totally understand wanting a Featherweight, especially the 222k. I would buy one of those as well, especially if I found a white one! lol. Honestly, I think a Featherweight is a good choice for what you are looking for. The straight stitch is to die for. A wonderful choice for a vintage machine because you will appreciate it for what it is.
I'm just loving your journey with the decisions you're making. "follow your dream"! Don't laugh, but what I've ALWAYS wanted is a treadle. It just intriques me.
You will love it ;> I have loved mine for yeahs .. and it still keeps on going .. welcome to the 'club' LOL
Great choice. I have one built the year I was born. It travels well and has that perfect straight stitch!
No you are not crazy. I think Bonnie Hunter has a 221 in that shade she bought at a quilt show several months back. You might want to check to see where she got hers from. I love the red cabernet color too. I found my 221 in an antique store in excellent condiiton that was restored and it works beautifully. I recently bought a 1/4 foot for it so intend to start using it more now. It is so sweet.
I won't laugh at all, CJ, since I also use a FW for travel. It's so easy to use and does have that perfect stitch. The only problem (other than lack of zigzag) is that my right leg keeps searching for the knee lift as I work. LOL! But I did find a different type of lightbulb (LED) that vastly improves the lighting and has the added advantage of not getting hot. I wish I could remember where I bought it, but I think it was on ebay.
A quilter brought her "white" featherweight to class. The white is supposed to be a greenish white, but it looked white to me. Now I crave that little gem. It was sooooooooooooooo cute. There are those who collect them....
I also have a white FW. The bendable light is a big help, especially at guild work days or retreat classes where lighting is not optimal. I use a bendable LED light. http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp14023.html
This is a photo of it on allbrands.com The light also has additional mounting kits that can be purchased for other machines, so that it can be used for more than one purpose.
I have a Featherweight that my sweet hubby gave me for a Christmas give 7 years ago. I do love the stitch and it's so handy to take to classes or to retreats. Great selection.
ooops, that was supposed to say Christmas GIFT!!
So, should I tell you I found one for $5 at an estate auction ten years ago?? It is by far the easiest machine to care for. Highly recommend a bendable LED light though I want to try an LED light instead of the bulb it has. Enjoy the hunt!
You will love it! I found my Featherweight at a flea market hidden under a vendor's table because she had no idea how good it was! A steal at $150. Mine was born in 1938 and sews beautifully. It is my go-to travel machine plus the one that my oldest granddaughter prefers when we have sew dates. Good luck and keep us posted.
I found one (221) in mint condition on Craigslist for $230 but the case is musty, a problem with the cases made in the US. If you get one from Graham Forsdyke, the British cases don't smell. His machines are guaranteed!
I sure do love my Featherweight for taking places. In fact, I'm taking it in my camper next week! It is easy to use and easy to fix if something needs adjusting. I have a personal preference for the more modern ones with graduated stitch plates, but you can always buy one of those aftermarket if you need to. The smelly case is a problem, but I keep my travelling machine in a tool kit I found at Lowe's for $15-20. It has a hard bottom which exactly fits the FW! It has pockets for the miscellaneous stuff I take with me.
I'm sure you'll have a great time with your upcoming FW.
Pam
I found a 1950's Featherweight in a junk yard, all by it's lonesome. I almost had heart palpitations. I paid $5, not knowing if it would ever run. Spent $30 for a foot control. It works well, but I don't use it for much more than display. Grew up on Singers, but love my Babylocks, now.
Did you ever get a Singer 301? I thought you did but seeing h 201 makes m wonder if I'm thinking about that instead.