featherweight sewing machines

[ollie1shoe]

am looking at ebay on the singer featherweight machines i know several of you have them so give me some suggestions on what to look out for in purchasing one i saw one in a singer repair shop that wanted 400.00 dollars but i see lots are cheaper on ebay does that mean there is probably something wrong with it? also would you look for one say 1950 are would you look for a newer one i am wanting it to piece my quilts when we are traveling in rv thanks ollie1shoe

[calicopuzzle]

Why do you want a singer featherweight? There are alot of other machines you could get to travel in an rv....pretty hard to tell what you are getting on Ebay unless something is new or you know what to look for.

[suzette58]

When dealing with EBAY you do take a chance. I just bought a SINGER 301A and absolutly love it. I paid $200 for the machine, attachments and carrying case. The old Singers are wonderful machines. The machine I bought just needs a cleaning. It runs great. It came from the seller's grandmother. You can always ask the seller questions.

[SewSew]

DH recently purchased a featherweight on ebay and I must say it was in excellent condition. It was very clean, came with attachments and had a very nice case with it also. Check with the seller to make sure the motor runs and all electrical parts (wires and foot pedal) are okay, that would be the one thing that could be burned out.

Check to make sure the seller has a good rating and it is best to use paypal when purchasing. I have seen some machines go for as little as $150 dollars or as much as $500 dollars you just have to watch the bidding. The difference in amounts is usually because some are missing the case or have no attachments or they are not in very good condition as far as decals or they are scratched up. Calicopuzzle is right, it can be risky. Good luck.

[ollie1shoe]

you are right there are other machines right now i am considering the janome gem platium 760 $349.00 from dealer with warranity do you know anything about this machine i think the price is about what you would have to pay thanks for the imput ollie1shoe

[MDQuilta]

http://tinyurl.com/3y82am

Here is one for sale by a very reputable place of business. If I were looking for another one, I would certainly grab this one up. They are a lovely family run business.

[TooMuchFabric]

I purchased a Singer 758 at a garage sale for $20. I took it to have it checked and the fellow told me he doubted it had been sewn on very much. It has everything with it. I purchased a Singer Centennial the same way. It is not the Featherweight but a sister to it. I paid $15 for it. I bought a Singer 401A for $20 + about the same for shipping from Ebay. It is great.

There are loads of good deals on machines because so many folks buy them then never use them. I passed a sewing machine repair shop recently and just stopped in...they had about 20 machines of various brands priced from very inexpensive to $250. That would be another place to check.

[LynLuvsQuilts]

Hi~~I am new to this forum, as of 1/2 hour ago!! I have a Singer Featherweight (white with a green case) in perfect condition, and I really do love it. I bought a 1/4" foot for it, and will buy a walking foot. I also have another wonderful tiny machine that does far more than the Featherweight, the Elna Lotus. I inherited this one from my mom. I take this one to quilt classes because it so light and small to carry and it also zig zags, and has a few built in stitches. It is such a conversation piece. I have had classmates go on their own search for this machine after watching me piece on mine!!

[piecemaker1]

Hi~ I too am very new to this site. I was wondering where LynLuvsQuilts got a 1/4" foot for her Featherweight. I have a 1938 Featherweight that sews like a dream. My husband bought it for me a couple of years ago. I let it sit in the case until recently. When I started sewing with it, I could not believe how great it sewed. I think my hubby bought it for me because he knew that I regretted selling my Mom's 35 years ago when I bought a new sewing machine. I would like to find a 1/4" foot. Thanks for any help that you can pass on.

[gmaann]

Hi Piecemaker1, LynLuvsQuilts may give you a better answer, but I bought both a 1/4" foot and a walking foot for my Featherweight at a quilt show, but see the 1/4" foot for sale on www.221parts.com I don't see a walking foot there, but I do know they are available. Since I got the 1/4" foot I am happy to take my Featherweight to classes, before I lugged my heavy machine just because I didn't want to sew without the 1/4" foot!! Hope you get what you need!!
Ann