I recently bought a Singer Featherweight sewing machine.
I am amazed at the amount of information, websites, and even a fan page, based on this little 11 pound precision machine! I thought it might be fun to share a bit with you.
Not exactly sure what a nightie and hot water bottle have to do with a sewing machine!
The Featherweight was made by Singer Manufacturing Company between 1933 and 1964. It sews only straight stitches — but it sews them very well. It is excellent for piecing, but not recommended for machine quilting. Even the oldest machines, if they’ve been properly cared for, do a great sewing job. There seems to be more and more of them popping up in quilt classes and retreats lately.
Planet Patchwork has some wonderful facts and information on its website. The Featherweight came in a standard black model made in the U.S. Those manufactured before World War II had an “Egyptian Scrollwork” pattern on the faceplate, while most of those made after the War had a simple, striated pattern of vertical stripes.”
Egyptian Scrollwork Patterned Faceplate
Striated Pattern Faceplate
These machines were also decorated with gold badges and the Singer name, but interestingly enough, did not say “Featherweight” on them.
Texas Centennial Featherweight Badge
The badges have become just as collectible as the machines themselves.
Gold Effect – Singer Badge
Singer 128 – Pretty!
1940’s Golden Gate Exposition Badge
I would love to have this badge!!!
The original black featherweights came in two finishes – shiny black and a matte black called “crinkle.” These were produced in Elizabethport, New Jersey, and in Clydebank, Scotland.
A white Featherweight was made in Scotland and sold in Great Britain. Some in “mint green” were also made, but opinions vary over whether this was really a green machine or merely a white one with a green tinge to the paint.
Tan was also one of the original colors. These were produced in Scotland and Canada.
Restored machines have taken the painting to a whole new level of art.
I love this photo by Cableynx.com
A Beautiful Example from Carolyn Brien.
Another Gorgeous Machine Owned by Carolyn Brien.
Any color under the rainbow is possible.
And of course, for the incredibly creative…
Other sightings have been written about by Darla Trenner on these unusual Featherweights. She has posted her findings at her Crinkle and Blackside Machines.
For even more Featherweight Information, go to:
The Perfect Portable, a book by Nancy Johnson Srebro
Oh yes, and the Featherweight fan page Hmmmm . . . maybe I will join this!
Stop by this blog on Friday for more on Featherweights. I will share some fun stories and creative projects inspired by this little lovely machine.
Now, let’s all get sewing! Love, Pati
