Sewing machine family, of course. No, I didn't need another sewing machine nor did I particularly want one. I've passed several little beauties by lately thinking they would be fabulous machines...for someone else. I didn't even call about the Craigslist ad that simply said "Singer Sewing Machine" when I first spotted it over a week ago. Friday I said to my husband that the little machine was still listed and might make a nice Christmas present. To my surprise he actually called about it then told me we would go and look at it in the morning. He stressed that I was going because he wasn't about to pay for something he knows nothing about. Fair enough.
We went to the seller's house and there it was. A Singer 221-1 known as the Featherweight. The case as you can see is in OK condition except that one of the locks is broken off and someone seems to have dropped a paint brush with white paint on it.
In the dimly lit kitchen the machine looked remarkably pritsine. I mean perfect. Strangely perfect. I admit I was excited but so suspicious--this thing was beautiful! I really couldn't believe my eyes, but I looked it over and the motor looked original, the wires looked original (and again, in great condition except a piece of tape in one spot). I checked for the bobbin case --it was there. I followed the thread path checking the guides and the tension knob --all fine. The little thing was just glinting. I've heard of these being repainted and cheap decals put on them, but I couldn't find any evidence of this having been done.
It wasn't until I carried it into better light that I finally saw indications of this machine having actually been used. But there they were --all the little pin scratches, as I think of them --the tiny scratches that can't be avoided on a sewing machine if it's being used. Plus there was a little mark on top and a little blot of white paint on the front bed decal (very messy painter). So it wasn't a refurbished machine but one that was very well taken care of. And now it's mine. The sellers probably had no idea they could have got at least twice, if not more, than what they were asking (and I certainly didn't tell them!)
8 comments:
Oh, no, Susan -- no YOU too! You've been taken over by the FW body snatchers.
Christmas present...for whom????
A Christmas present for me of course. That goes without saying!
And yes, me too. I've passed some FWs by knowing they were overpriced and overhyped machines, but this one was irresistable.
Pay no heed to Peter! You will love your new little FW. They are very spunky machines.
Wow...the Holy Grail of amazing machine finds (an affordable and near perfect FW). Kudos and Merry Christmas! The Necchi, if you even remember) has been about 90 percent restored...When do you STOP wanting the internals cleaner and cleaner? But I love it. Impressive stitching, precision and power. The only modern machine I've had that came close was my Bernina 1260 which I had to sell. Don't ask. Congratulations! Lina
Bah, humbug.
How lovely! I am jealous. But what a fantastic Christmas present.
The next great machine you find is mine!!!
Lina, it is hard to stop cleaning the machine insides, isn't it?! I had trouble with one machine I never felt I got clean enough --but it worked great so I guess it didn't matter.
Pam, I'll keep my eye out for a FW for you!
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