10 April 2009

Singer Featherweight


My little Singer Featherweight is sick and in the Sewing Machine hospital. I am sad. Their great little machines. Hard working and very popular. Quilters love these little babies. They are handy to take anywhere. Ladies simply packed them up in their carrying case and took them with them to other ladies homes for quilting. They don't do the fancy stitches, just straight and that's fine for me. I am not a big sewer and it suites my needs. 

I thought I'd give you a little history on this fabulous machine.

Production of the 221 started in the UK at what was then Singer's largest factory in 1949. Six years later production started on the ultimate Featherweight, the 222 Freearm, and then the white/green model which was made in very limited numbers until 1964. Tan/beige machines were also produced in Scotland and at the Canadian plant.

The new design was introduced to the public in 1933 at the Chicago World's Fair. The improved model, which followed three years later, had a re-worked bobbin case and a numbered dial which took the guesswork out of tension setting.


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11 comments:

Joanne Kennedy said...

What a cute machine! I think it's so great that you actually sew on it. I've always wanted one of those old machines that you pump the pedel to make it go.

Don't you think about all the women of the past who used your machine? Making not only quilts but clothes, aprons, curtains, dolls and lots of other things.

I just love things with a past! Hope you get her fixed soon.

Hugs,
Joanne

Teresa said...

I love my Featherweight. Hope yours gets well soon!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

It probabley works better than many of the newer ones. I have a Sears Kenmore portable (bought in mid 60's) that is so heavy, but very reliable. Took it into the repair place one time, and the guy could not believe how heavy it was. My daughter borrowed it some time ago and haven't seen it since - need to ask her about that. :)
Happy Easter and have a grat weekend.
Glenda

Sewsweetstudio said...

Wish I had one of those. I am a sewer and have 3 others, but that is a gem. Thanks for the little history lesson. Hope yours makes it home "well" soon.
Happy Easter
Beverly

Rue said...

Hi Glenda :)

That machine is so cute! I hope you get her back soon :)

Happy Easter!
rue

Lisa & Alfie said...

Happy Easter Glenda! Hope you have some special plans.
lisa & Alfie

Anonymous said...

Yikes did you pay that much for that thing? You could buy a nice new one that had all the whistles and bells for the same price or even less. And most new ones are light weight enough to travel too. It might cost u the price of a new one just to have these older ones fixed.

Margie’s daughter Leiny said...

Hi Glenda, Glad to find your blog today. I have an old antique singer sewing machine that is hand driven it is pre motor. It is still at my daughters house in England, I will be bringing it home to Ireland in June, in the mean time I use a very modern singer. Daisy and Brandi are very cute. I am off to check out more of your interesting blog. Visit me at Margie's Crafts if you have a minute. Margie.

Joyce's Journey said...

And what is your story with this machine? Where did you get it? When did you get it? It's adorable! I love it!!!

Neabear said...

My mother's looks very much like this one. My grandmother had one too. Hmmm...I have to ask my mom where that is. Questions, questions.

Neabear said...

Oh and I forgot to say, I learned to sew at age 9 on my mother's singer machine. I also made my wedding dress with it too.

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