When I was just a small child, my mother had a sewing machine which fascinated me. She would allow me to sift through the box of attachments that were contained in a compartment inside the sewing machine box. I would sit at her feet going through her box of buttons while the sewing machine whirred and hummed as she created curtains, aprons and pillow cases on the pretty little black machine with gold lettering and scroll work
and a decorative embossed medallion that I loved to touch.
Because of a very dear friend, I now have my own 1951 Singer Featherweight Machine.
We happily "traded"; I got this marvelous little machine, and she got one of my Hopalong Hollow Folk.
I think I got the better half of the barter and she thinks she did.... so we are both pleased.
Her husband serviced, oiled and cleaned up the little hummer and it sews like a dream.
I looked up this model after a reader commented that THIS machine was a Centennial model, celebrating 100 yrs of Singer. My research found, that in 1951, the machine cost $149.50.
I looked up this model after a reader commented that THIS machine was a Centennial model, celebrating 100 yrs of Singer. My research found, that in 1951, the machine cost $149.50.
This machine is so small, it actually looks like a toy or a child's sewing machine, but it was one of the most popular machines Singer ever produced, from 1933 through 1968.
It looks delicate, but it is a real workhorse!
It looks delicate, but it is a real workhorse!
I don't know of a quilter or serious stitcher who doesn't own at least one Featherweight, or is at least aware of them.
I'd been using my 1898 Red EYE Singer to sew my critters and their frocks for the last few years. I love it, but it has no light, no reverse and is SO HEAVY to carry I am forced to stay in the studio to sew.
I don't want to stay in the studio to sew.... I like to work in the kitchen. I can carry the Featherweight to any room I like!
Look at the difference in size! I told you it looks like a toy.
The Lord of the Manor just couldn't believe anything worthwhile could actually be sewn with such a miniature piece of equipment....
But I showed him a thing or two....or three.
Thank you dear Deborah for the trade, love you!
To learn more about the history of the Singer Featherweight visit this site:
That's marvelous! I didn't realize how small it was until you pictured it with the other machine. I learned how to sew on an old Singer, much like your little one, but regular size. It had a wooden cabinet in which it folded inward on hinges in order to store it and then an extension folded out to give you a surface for your fabric. At first I was only allowed to use it by turning the wheel at the side. Later I graduated to the foot pedal! Nice memories you shared! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteJenn, I had forgotten how small it actually was after all these years. When I was a child, it didn't seem tiny at all. I do remember those machines in the wooden cabinet, they are collectables today.
DeleteJeri, I also learned to sew using my Mom's Singer. I think that her machine was a model akin to the one the Jenn described just above. The 1955 Featherweight that you have now acquired is a beautiful machine...how grand that it has been tended so well!
ReplyDeleteThose new rabbits that you unveiled in your prior post are fabulous! What a pleasure to be introduced and to learn a bit out their personalities and interests.
Spring continues to do its thing here in New York. The blossom progression is lovely...but the pollen is doing my eyes in! xo
Frances, Do you think girls learn to sew nowadays? I wonder about that. Everyone over 50 yrs, certainly learned to sew in Home Ec class!
DeleteToo bad you can't enjoy Spring in NY without itchy eyes, what a pain. I'm grateful not to have allergies... cross fingers.
We are teaching sewing here in a Phoenix Women's Shelter to young women and several kids too. We need to teach the younger ones everyone!!!
DeleteThank Goodness someone is teaching sewing. It really is a valuable skill no matter the era we are living in.
DeleteOh WONDERFUL!! My first (and still have and use) machine is a Featherweight, and it has served me the best for well over 40 years!! I am so happy for you!! It will most likely be your forever favorite!! xx oo
ReplyDeleteLinnie, This will definitely become my go-to machine. I've been using it for the last few days and can't believe how wonderfully handy and cute it is!
DeleteHow great you have made a trade that pleases both of you, Jeri. I've heard great things about the Featherweight. Have fun with your new little workhorse. ♥
ReplyDeleteMartha Ellen, It's funny that the trade happened at all. She didn't know I had been wanting this machine model, and I did not know that she had more than one of them! It just came up in a conversation about sewing machines, and now, we're both happy.
DeleteMy sister just shared your blog with me. We both own a FW and I am teaching my 9 year old granddaughter to sew on mine. I have told her it will be hers to keep one day and she was thrilled! Love your article and I will be joining your blog! Jeannie
ReplyDeleteJeannie, It is a perfect machine for a child and a wonderful heirloom from you. Not only are you teaching her to sew, she will be the recipient of a real treasure and filled with memories of time with her Grandmother.
DeleteCongratulations on your new machine!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great story, and tradition to carry on.
I learned to sew on a treadle Singer sewing machine. Mother had an electric Singer. I had to take classes before she allowed me to use that one. lol
MAY< I don't think I have ever sewn on a treadle, which is really quite surprising since I collect antiques. Your mother was probably being wise to save the "good" machine for a girl with more experience, funny!
DeleteI remember when you got the old machine a few years ago. The little one is precious. Glad you found it.
ReplyDeleteDonna,I guess I have enough sewing machines now. I prefer to use these old machines, it makes me nostalgic....
DeleteI must admit to being jealous! My turn is coming someday to own one of these. So truly happy you have one.
ReplyDeleteCharlene, These machines are often on Ebay. I had been tempted to bid, many a time. I was telling my friend how much I wanted one when she asked me,"Do you want to trade?" I said "WHAT? do you have one?" "I have three" says she! And now, my "new"little Featherweight is zinging through the mohair fabrics as we speak.
DeleteGood morning, my friend!
ReplyDeleteAs I read your prose, I am reminded of my mother's Singer. Same model, or close to it, with that gold trim. I too was intrigued with every aspect of this machine, and at this moment, I can still SMELL the oil, the warm hum of the mechanisms that wove magic. Barbie doll clothes would appear on my bed within what seemed like minutes. Sweet summer dresses hung in my closet and weekend walks to the local five and dime were a treat. Sewing notions, fabrics and patterns were our purchases, along with maybe a candy bar for me. Sweet memories indeed.
Anita, oh the memories! The Woolworth store had it all, I can see it now in my minds eye; the rows of fabrics, the pattern bins and a rainbow of beautiful threads. It was such a treat to a little girls senses. I wonder what kind of candy bar you chose...mine was a Black Cow! Remember those? I could do an entire blog post on candy from our era!
DeleteJeri, now I must see this kitchen you would rather be sewing in than your wonderful studio.
ReplyDeleteCathy, I love that studio, but compared to the light in the kitchen, no comparison. We have a huge Kitchen window, and I can look out on a big garden all day long as I work. Also, husband hangs out in the same room and I love his company.
DeleteI love this post! If I had the room, I would make it my passion to collect these beautiful old sewing machines. Your old Red Eye Singer is a beauty, but like my old White, heavy as the dickens. Singer got smart when they made the Featherweight, for sure. Now, that you are happily stitching in the kitchen, there may be pretty little critters all over the place! :~)
ReplyDeleteChip Butter, I have a blogger friend who does just that;she has gorgeous machines and dozens of them! It would be fun to collect the childrens models or the very small ones from the very early days of Sewing Machine Madness. They can be so pricey... Hey, I DO have rabbits and mice all over the kitchen table at this moment.. and a very cooperative husband who doesn't mind as long as he has a small corner of the table.
DeleteFYI--Yours is a Centennial Edition Featherweight--a more collectible edition.
ReplyDeleteI wondered about the dates on that medallion, very good to know, thanks for that!
DeleteWhat a great trade! Now trade two more characters and you will have as many featherweights as I do.
ReplyDeleteToday my grand daughter's doll got ran over in her drive way by her brother. It not only destroyed the doll but the clothes I had made for it. She was SO upset. I told her I saw at Hobby Lobby patterns for doll clothes, fabric included. We would go shopping and she will sew them on the hand crank. That made her cheer up just a little.
Now if we could take the doll to the doll hospital. But sadly there is no hope. Mom is searching for one.
Sew on ~ ~ ~
Patti, YOU are the blogger friend I mentioned in the comment above... OF course you have 3 FW'S!
DeleteBROTHERS can be a pain and he owes her BIG TIME! There is no replacing a beloved dolly-pal, but at least she will have clothes for the next one she adopts. And I bet it was you that taught her to sew.
What a great piece! Very nice.
ReplyDelete