Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Can't Resist

Okay, can't stand it any longer. I HAD to post a photo of my two beloved babies, Featherweight babies, that is! After ogling Dawn's, Judy's, and Tazzie's FWs, I had to show off my two. The one on the left I purchased from an eBay dealer and I have no history about it. The one on the right used to belong to my MIL. I do have a bit of history on it. She purchased it in the mid-thirties. I think it may have been one of the first year's models. It was the middle of the Depression and she bought it on time-payments. Due to financial circumstances, she had to miss a payment. It was repossessed!!! She was able to scrape the money together and get it "out of hock" and sewed on it for many, many years. She was a marvelous seamstress and would still be sewing if it weren't for drastic loss of eyesight in recent years. She is 94 and finally slowing down. My husband bought it from her at the going eBay rate for one in great condition. Better to buy it than face the wrath of siblings, if you know what I mean!!! I just love FWs. I think they were an engineering marvel--so reliable, so functional, so darn cute. The case MIL's was in is a wreck. Duct tape and prayers are holding it together--no photo of that one! The case I use is the one that came with the eBay purchase. It is in remarkable condition--in tact and not smelly. It is so fun to bounce from my uber-modern Bernina to my "antique" Featherweight. Both wonders of their time.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ditto only I have 1 FW from ebay & a Pfaff - not so ditto on second thought...

I think I am going to use my FW as decoration...

Quilts And Pieces said...

I LOVE your babies! And personally the one with the family history is the best! I have my grandma's treadle machine. No way am I ever parting with that!

Libby said...

Having the story behind the machine makes it special. I wish the e-bay machine could tell it's story, too.

Darlene said...

TWINS! They are real beauties. Featherweights are terrific and you're lucky to have those two.

Joyce said...

Now I want a FW too. Hmm...

Shelina said...

My mother has an FW. What price range are they going for?

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

I'm not looking, I'm not looking, I'm not looking - oh gosh, they are just too cute!!! Great story about your MIL's FW too.

Cheers!

Evelyn

Tazzie said...

You and I are peas in a pod! Two f/w's and a Bernina! I adore Bernie, but love my little babies too!
Both your little darlings look just gorgeous, isn't it amazing how we get so attached to them!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Juliann in WA said...

what fun - congrats on your you fun finds -I hear about these all the time but have never sewn on one- Juliann

Lucy said...

Featherweihts are always a thrill to see... I Love yours . Wowo and one from your MIL. It is great to know a bit of the history .
I am lucky to find a baby for my featherweight.( a child sewing machine ) I am so happy with that one :-)

Finn said...

Hi Vera, thanks for sharing you "babies" with us..*VBS* I'm so impressed that so many of you gals have found a Featherweight to buy. It looks like great fun, and a good investment as well. Hugs, Finn