They are like potato chips. You can’t have just one. I have a few black ones, a white one and a tan. I also just got a 222. I love the sound of them. It brings me joy. lol. You got a nice little gift there.
I have many of the same machines as you and completely agree with all of the reviews you have done through the years and I would trust your insight on those I don't have (yet 😉). Featherweights are wonderful (I have 2 model 221's) and on average in my area they are listed between $400-$500, would be interesting to know what they actually sell for. Definitely worth getting one if it's in good condition and a good price but for the average person looking for a machine to sew gear I agree there are more robust models that can be had for a lot less. Every so often an incredible deal surfaces and I got one of those last year. Scored a 1939 Featherweight. It's in good condition (clear coat in tact), it came with the carry case, presser feet and bobbins. They were asking $25 and when I got there the sellers also included a no-name "plastic fantastic" machine they didn't want (they were moving out of state, their closing was fast approaching and running out of time). I sold the other machine for $50 and ended-up $25 ahead (better than free) for the Featherweight. So nice to see Bobbin ... he's certainly well loved and living his best life! 🐈⬛
The Featherweights are super expensive on the used market, my memory matches your comment $500--$800+. Better value option for a portable is a 99 or 99K (possibly 185) which I've found for $35 in great shape with "all the decals". Some of them had the same flip-down extension, older versions did not. These were designed as a 3/4 size portable machine around the Singer 66 models/parts. If you're doing a lot of MYOG, I'd say to just get a Singer 15 model, found for $15-$50 most local markets, as these have a much larger common bobbin like the industrial machines.
I have heard good things about the 15, don't have one yet but it's on my radar. The past few years I have gotten some great models in rather good condition for just $25 ea (99, 201-2, 500A, 221). Amazing what's available when you know what to look for, have patience and the ability to service them ... a wonderful machine doesn't need to cost a lot.
Bobbin goes so well with the singer 221. Just bought a 201k - now you've got me thinking - does it need a baby brother? Me things, possibly! Great video Jason, many thanks.
Very timely video for me, as I have just added a Featherweight to my collection. I paid £290 for it and it is a centennial model, and in very good condition. I bought one years ago but it needed too much doing to it so sold it again, but I'm delighted to have one again. And so glad you demonstrated the silnylon on it, as I have also just cut up a tent which is made of that I think - or maybe something very similar, so I'll definitely try the machine out on that, when I've decided what I'm going to make with it.
It looks a lovely machine, but the cost is a bit high when you can get a 99 or 201 for much less money. But if someone offered me a 221 or 222, I'd be honoured to own one! PS hi Bobbin!
the featherweight is the corvette stingray/mustang of the "sewing" world - it is just a real good sewing machine (they are just real good cars) - but if you got one then everyone is jealous lol - all joking aside the featherweight is a good sewing machine and I would not turn one down if the price was better (same with the cars - nice to look at but oh the insurance)
$800 for a shabby looking one at a retail quilter shop over this past weekend. I've heard the Featherweight was a popular choice for clothes designers that would lug them around to fashion shows for last second fixes and hems.
Jason, love your sewing machine video's. I recently was on Market Place and saw a $20 Kenmore. So I RU-vid the model number, low and behold your video on the 158.1752 was #1. Just got it fired up and wow, pretty impressed, again thanks. Also, I am unable to locate prior replies from some of your random video's I commented on which one a couple months ago contained your email. I wanted to send you some pics of some mods I have done. Can you privately reply? You may not want your email viewed. Thanks a bunch ! Bryan
