Featherweight Fanatics Archives
1999
April
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Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999 21:43:21 -0500
From: Sharman Neel
Subject: new information
Hi,
I am considering purchasing my first Featherweight and the model I'm
looking at says ES649355. Would this be a good one to start with? Just
nervous about getting the right one.
Thanks
Sharman
From: "Barbara Lee Gates"
Subject: Wrong manual
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 10:03:34 -0500
Phyllis said:
>The manual is for a 15-91. It looks just like my FW that has a plate that
says 221
If you already have a 221 and this one looks just like it, I think you can
be sure it is one. The AJ number is prior to them putting on the 221
plate.
I have seen lots of machines with the wrong manual... drove 50 miles to
look at one that the lady said was a 15-89 (and I wanted one). Turned out
to be another 15-91 with a 15-89 manual. Grrrr.
BJ (Barbara) in East Texas
www.flash.net/~bjgates
From: "Barbara Lee Gates"
Subject: Needle position and 1/4" seams
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 10:10:15 -0500
Diane wrote:
> but still, each SM has to be checked separately for accuracy. I believe
the
> needle on my 201 is preset at the factory in the 9 o'clock position thus
> requiring a minor adjustment in my seam allowance.
I mentioned something about this last week here, and on another list and
had a response referring to needle position as a clock reference. Had not
heard this before. One of my FW's sews a little "wide" with the needle
riding pretty well centered front to back but far to the left of the throat
plate hole..... would this be "9 o'clock"? Another FW sews right on the
nose for a 1/4" seam, and I haven't check the others lately.
BJ (Barbara) in East Texas
www.flash.net/~bjgates
From: "Marny F"
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 4/7/1999
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 01:33:57 -0700
Hi... I'd love a FW ... but only drool when I see them ...
Anyway, there is something called a "scant 1/4" which then, upon
pressing, makes an exact 1/4".
Gentle as you go,
Marny
From: Thimchatt
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 12:32:51 EDT
Subject: New purchase
I have been lurking for months but now have a new purchase that needs some
help. Singer handcrank in coffin top # M163614. the 'blue book' shows the M
series was made in Italy. It has a vibrating shuttle. The box of
accessories says "for Fam.V.S. and Med.V.S. Machines, Manfactured in Great
Britain." There is no manual. Can someone tell me,(Graham?) what model this
is? The best I can tell from Law's book is #28/128. Also I would like to
purchase a manual or copy of one.
It is in very good shape probably6-7. Haven't tested it for sewing but will
in a day or so. The dealer had tried to clean it some but the screws a tight
so will get further cleaning soon.
Thanks for your help.
Norma
Thimchatt in beautiful spring Chattanooga, TN
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 23:27:12 -0400
From: Carla Lopez
Subject: Help with Necchi
>> I'm having a problem with a Necchi, can anyone help? <<
Kitty...
You do not tell us what Necchi you're having problems with. If you can le=
t
us know, perhaps we'll be able to assist you.
Carla Lopez in Alameda CA
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 14:19:16 -0400
From: "Chris P. Vagtborg"
Subject: FW Fanatics 4/7/1999
Hi All...
Haven't posted for awhile, but thought I'd mention how pleased I am with
Charles Law's
new "Archive of Antique Sewing Machines" vol. 1 and 2... They'll keep me =
up
reading for
several enjoyable evenings! Thanks Charles.
Chris, on St. Simons Is., GA - The pool's open, it'll hit 90 tomorrow, th=
e
top's down on
the Miata, and the Masters is on the tube - nirvana!
From: Fritz906
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 07:26:28 EDT
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 4/7/1999
Hi all, well I'm off and gone again, taking a trip Branson Mo., this
week-end, can't wait, it's going to be pretty , great for shopping my old
Haunts , maybe I'll make a supper find, we always hit all the Garage Sales
,shops ect along the way.
Found another beautiful 201 last week , right here in my home Town, that
makes 4, I just can't turn one down, super nice machines, now which one do I
sew on?, I am finishing a Quilt for the Kosovo project , Please everyone get
involved , the need is clearly a must for all Americans, For ,By the Grace of
GOD! there gos all of US.
Sandy in Okla
From: "Woodstock Sewing Centre"
Subject: what a bunch of interesting stuff
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 08:20:53 -0400
Dear fws; will I have a bunch of interesting stuff for the forsale page =
this week or what, we are currently just recieved the following items, =
not one but two grasshoppers no 1 in cond 8 and 9 with original =
attachments and books, in original cases, both of these are complete =
good original machines with one being just a bit shinier and prettier =
than the other. We also picked up a original pretty cond 9 SINGER genie, =
in mint cond with original attachments, manual all the stuff and it is =
shiny and almost perfect. This week we also pulled out the 206k and its =
a really nice example, and also we showed some one are 206k treadle =
original and they said no, yes its real. Also we
http://www.oxford.net/~mikeh =20
From: "Jackie Hubert"
Subject: Generic carrying case
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 13:49:55 -0500
Hi to all: Just thought I would lpass on this little tip. For those of
you who like to take your Featherweights to class, the 20Can size
cold drink insulated bag which is sold at Walmart for $9.95 is just
right. It has a nice carrying handle and a zippered pocket on the
outside. The insulation makes nice cushioning for your machine.
Happy sewing, quilting & Featherweighting.
Jackie in SWOk
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 00:53:12 +0100
From: graham forsdyke
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 4/7/1999
To Moonsage who asked
>
>A patch for chocoholics
>Why?
>
Awe cummon.
Same reason they have one for smokers. With a patch AND a packet ot
non-filter high tar you can get a real buzz.
To NT re British Featherweight key
OK, send me your mailing address.
Graham Forsdyke
ISMACS London
http://www.ismacs.net
http://www.viznoise.net
http://www.sew-sales.com
From: Bucksprt
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 20:40:13 EDT
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 4/7/1999
In a message dated 4/9/99 10:56:02 AM EST, FWFanatics writes:
<< Moonsage2 wrote
Supermatic
Oil it and then run it without the needle for a minute. It makes an awful
noise when dry. It does not sew as quite as the Singers due to the fiber and
metal belt. Unusual looking but fits into the gears really neat. For free I
would play and try to get it going before I sent it into a shop. Mine was a
mess until the oiling. they mark all holes with red that you oil. Also open
the left end and oil and "joint." Clean out the front area under the feet.
There is a part there that is essential that you keep it oiled.
Hi all :
Have been lurking but have recently purchase a supermatic to add to my small
collection.
It runs but has a slight "knock" and is a little slow on the start.
Was wondering about opening the left end and oiling the joint.
Have oiled the machine but have not taken that end off and am wondering if it
is a problem
to get it on and off.
Any help or thoughts on this would be helpful.
Thanks Gail
From: "the Carsons"
Subject: 319w
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 22:59:30 -0700
Have an opportunity to take a 319w as trade-in on a FW. I am unfamiliar =
with this model. It's in great shape, very shiny, all of the gold is =
intact, and sews great. Does anyone have any info on the 319? Is it a =
reliable machine? What would be its value $wise? I would appreciate any =
information or advise. Thanks in advance for you help
Joe in Vancouver, WA
From: SAWQUILTER
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 23:22:44 EDT
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 4/7/1999
My mother bought a 1924 model 66, the machine is in about a condition 8 but
the case is in 9+ condition. We are looking for a key to the case. If
anyone knows where you can purchase one please let me know. Thanks!
Stephanie from Oh
From: njhealth
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 15:51:28 +0000
Subject: Addiction Admission!!!`
All right, it's time for me to stand up and say:
"Hi, my name is Doug and I'm a Sewing Machine Addict"
In the past month, I have bought 2 Willcox & Gibb Electrics, a Singer
201, a Singer 306, two singer 301 (one short bed and one long), a
Singer 66, a Singer 127, a Singer 128, a White Vibrating Shuttle and a
New Home. I've also found numerous attachments to add to the
collection. Not the least of which was the "Amoeba Plate"feed dog
cover for FW's from Linda for the rediculously wonderful price of
$5. Today I went to an antique shop and the dealer said she was all
excited because she had found a set of Singer Books from 1930 for me
in it's original slip case "The Singer Sewing Library". She had kept
it in her car so as not to tempt anyone else. This dealer used to
shoe horses and she had told me about a little Singer she had used to
repair horse blankets that was easy to take along with her...another
Singer 99 no doubt. When she was showing me the books on the back
seat was the little black box!!!! I had a hard time not showing
great excitement. When we finally got to the machine, it was indeed
a featherweight with the old style case, leather bound handle on the
case, full tray across the top, original manual, several bobbins and
some needles...no attachments. Bakelite foot pedal and in working
condition...probably a 7 or 8 in condition. I tried not to sound
excited when I said "..and how much for all these Singer treasures?"
She said $50 and my hand sort of trembled as I counted it out to her.
If you know of a support group in Northern New York e-mail me.
Doug
Rev. Mr. Doug Marlow
Church of the Holy Family
129 Winthrop Street
Watertown, NY 13601
From: "ROBERT E ENGLISH"
Subject: Stuff
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 10:48:34 -0400
Hi Feathers,
I'm enjoying my shiny, new FW immensely! I've found most of the missing
parts, including a set of original attachments, a shelf for my carrying
case, a walking foot, (I'm a quilter, not really a collecter - famous last
words?) a manual, a key, and the much needed missing screw (thanks,
Graham!). I'd still love to find a buttonholer and, of course the elusive
feed dog cover. Does anyone out there make new ones? (or anything that
works?) Is there any way to cover the feed dogs without harming the paint
on the machine bed? My paint has slight crazing, and it would break my
heart to damage this lovely little machine. This is the neatest little
sewing machine! It sews so sweetly and is quieter than any of my other
machines. I had a ball cleaning all moving parts with kerosene, then
oiling and lubing. Definitely a labor of love!
I came across an interesting discrepancy in the 1997 edition of the Srebro
book. My FW ia a British Centennial, Serial # EE806876. Ms. Srebro says
the British Centennials began to be seen at the mid-point of series EF in
late 1949. My Centennial Has an EE serial number and was manufactured in
1948.
I also have a computerized Pfaff with all the latest gew gaws and I do love
it, but love my FW best.
I have recently acquired a Singer 66 (1939) which is is perfect running
order. (City mission $20) It's electric, with a foot pedal, has no number
plate on the thread tension control, and does not sew in reverse. Serial #
AF362396. I'm currently looking for a manual. The case is kind of ratty
and beat up. Cracked where the carrying handle is, so can't be lifted by
the handle. (It weighs a ton!) Does anyone know if it would fit one of
those lovely old bentwood cases? If so does anyone have one available for
sale?
Also, there are no attachments with my 66. It has the typical lo shank. I
wonder if my FW attachments would work on it. Does anyone know?
Thanks for all the interesting letters in the digest. I love reading them
and have already learned so much.
Di, in sunny flowery North Carolina
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 17:42:09 -0500
From: Wendy
Subject: Museum Quality Singer Handcrank
This is a fabulous example of a Singer, Model 28, vibrating shuttle
handcrank. It is a 3/4 sized portable in a lovely bentwood case which is in
exceptional condition. The Singer decal is perfectly intact.
Serial Number: Y1093401 1925
The decals are in excellent shape. There are a few very minor scratches on
the center decal and on the left side of the base. There are also some
minute scratches on the wheel and top of the crank assembly. The little
metal cover that covers the shuttle has some minor pitting, otherwise, it
is as shiny as a mirror.
This machine can be viewed at:
http://www.bcpl.net/~wrundel/hc1.JPG
And, to see the other photos of it, just change the hc1.JPG to hc2.JPG,
hc3.JPG and hc4.JPG.
Price: $175 plus shipping, handling and insurance.
Please feel free to ask any questions.
Wendy Rundel
From: "Marilyn Hale"
Subject: 401A
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 16:51:06 -0500
Pegi Lyn asked about the 401A. That was (and is) a great machine. My
mother used one throughout my childhood, and I sewed on it a lot before
getting machines of my own. She didn't use the cams very much, but many
childhood outfits featured the decorative stitches that could be made by
adjusting the two-part dial on the front of the machine. The machine has a
wonderful sound when humming along. By all means, you need one!
A 401A problem: The one I bought at a garage sale last year sews a
beautiful straight stitch, but it doesn't zigzag, even when all the dials
and stitch width control are set properly. The stitch has a very slight
zigzag, but not the real thing. Does this sound like an easy problem to
solve, or one for a repairman? The machine was very clean and came with a
cabinet.
Marilyn
From: Constanc19
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 21:25:50 EDT
Subject: Paducah Quilt Show
Because someone backed out at the last moment, I have an extra motel room
reservation for the Paducah Quilt Show, nights April 20 through 23rd. If
interested, get in touch with me real soon.
From: njhealth
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 10:57:13 +0000
Subject: FWF Angels?
Just wanted to give Linda Harral a Hurrah for not succombing to all
the ebay mania. I wanted to find a cover plate for my featherweight.
Linda had one in mint condition that she sold to me for $5. There
are very few angels out there like this. THANKS Linda, you're a good
person who helps to make collecting fun (also getting a wonderful
black 301 Singer from Linda...is there any sort of support group
forming for addicted SM collectors in Upstate NY?)
Doug Marlow
Rev. Mr. Doug Marlow
Church of the Holy Family
129 Winthrop Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 782-2468
Home: (315) 782-4969
Cell #: (315) 783-9251
From: BERNSMUS
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 09:33:33 EDT
Subject: Fwd: Re: FW Fanatics 3/28/1999
Folks:
Have an old singer, G 9299624 with shuttle bobbin.
Looked up on the list and found, 1924.
It has photo of Egyptianlike man/woman w/ wings.
Have several Singer manuals.
Body w/ shuttle looks more like the 128-13 Manual that I have,
but it does Not have the built in right side boxlike design.
Anyone have a clue?
Thanks!
Lyn
From: Lthomas
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999 07:29:09 EDT
Subject: fw & other old machines
hi all, I am very happy being a new FW owner. Bought mine an eBay and its in
great shape. Since i got it i'm now interested in other old machines. Several
yrs ago my sister got me a treadle mach at garage sale. Cabinet in nice
condition..machine is a Sears franklin has all attatchments and manual. The
bobbin shuttle seems like it needs adjustment it rubs under the throat plate
& gets stucks. So i took it to get fixed. The machine has very ornate art
deco decals which are all intact, they look like beetles..any one have info
on these machines.
back to featherweight..is there replacement throatplates that have seam
allowences marked on them? I did buy bobbins at jo-anns last week half price
notions sale!
Laurie
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