Saturday, Betty sewed on her Singer "featherweight" machine. Since these machines are so old. I decided to do a little research to see what all of the fuss was about:The Singer Featherweight portable sewing machine is a model made by that company between 1933 and 1964. The machine (model 221), adapted from an earlier portable, the Standard SewHandy (which company was bought out by Singer) weighs about 11 pounds and has been found to be an ideal machine for quilters and other sewers to take to classes or "on location." Very quiet and sturdily made with all-metal parts (mostly aluminum), the Featherweight sews only straight stitches but it sews them very well. Even the oldest machines, if they've been cared for, still sew wonderfully.
The Featherweight came in a standard black model made in the U.S. Those made before World War II (and apparently a few after the war) had an attractive "Egyptian Scrollwork" pattern on the faceplate, while most of those made after the war had a simple, striated pattern of vertical stripes. They were further decorated with gold decals and the Singer name, but nowhere do they say "Featherweight" on them.
Oh, so quilters love them because they are light for ease of transportation and they sew straight very well....ok, maybe I'll buy one in the future! Betty sure loves hers and everyone that I have ever sewed with that has one just raves.
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