A very collectible vintage sewing machine is of course, the Singer 221 (and free-arm 222), nicknamed the 'Featherweight'. Just like potato chips, you can't stop at just one of these adorable workhorses. You may think you've joined the club with a basic black model but then you learn there are so many different ones to collect.
Within the group of the traditional black with gold decals are subsections, including model year (everyone wants one from their own birth year!), face plate finish (scroll, Egyptian, striated), decal type (fancy or modern paperclip), badge style (Centennial - the 1951 celebration badge, Red S, World's Fair, etc.), paint finish (blackside, crinkle) and general condition (you just might find a better one!). Obviously, the potential is endless for desirable additions!
Once you've covered all the black machines you want, move on to the other variations: white (well, there's true white, off white, and a slightly greenish 'celery' white), and tan (really harder to find, ranging from creamy beige to light brown). Heck, people even buy ruined machines and have them painted any colour they want from purple to candy apple red (not my cup of tea but if the machine is garbage otherwise, I can support it!). We could even start talking about cases!!!!
Here is a new addition to my personal FW family. She is a very pretty celery white model (I really wanted the celery version!). I had to drive quite a distance to get this machine but it was totally worth it. I tried to test her before I purchased but I couldn't thread the needle. I think it had the tiniest eye ever or was not even a functional specimen. Regardless of that and a belt that slipped (I knew I could easily adjust that), she was in beautiful condition and came with a great, awesome green and white case with the coolest handle. I loved her right away!
Once I got her home and cleaned I realized there was something not quite right. I could not get a balanced stitch and the bottom tension was way too loose. I swapped out a bobbin case with another machine and she sewed perfectly. Upon closer inspection I found the problem...a missing tension screw! I ordered one from April's and now she is stitching away to perfection! It still kind of amazes me that I am well enough informed now to determine a good purchase and also figure out any problems and how to fix them!
My little charmer Glinda (white and sparkly like Glinda the Good Witch from my beloved Wizard of Oz), came with a few bobbins, a box of attachments, an original plastic oil tube, screw drivers, and a manual. I can't wait to sew some patchwork on her and she just may be my favourite one yet! I had such a disappointment when a deal for a white fell through so getting this one instead made it all right again. It was meant to be, of course! ;)
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