My Blog Has Moved!
After a bit of deliberation, I’ve decided to move my blog to a new address . . .
So if you visit from time to time
Or have my blog bookmarked
Or have my blog in your sidebar
Or just want to know where I’ve gone . . .
The new URL you need to use is
http://insuesworld.blogspot.com/
I look forward to staying in touch in my new location. Why don’t you check it out???
Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine
Model 221
February 1951
Kilbowie Factory, Clydebank, Scotland
Being a new Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine owner, I have been thrilled to find so much information available on the internet about these lovely machines. So I’d like to share the interesting bits I’ve found.
But first, let me introduce you to “Francene” – that’s “Francene The Sewing Machine”!
She’s a February 1951 Singer Featherweight model 221K, made in Scotland. And she’s just about perfect!
When I first unpacked her, the needle wouldn’t go up or down, but removing the 2″ piece of thread caught (or really just snagged slightly) in the bobbin case and the lint from around the bobbin saw her sewing like a dream – such lovely tension and perfect stitches (I used 2 different coloured threads to test her out – much easier to see where the tension needs adjusting). Her bobbin area may never have been cleaned, but all in all, she’s been very well looked after.
And she’s got the most beautiful scroll work on the face plate . . .
Her paintwork is in pretty good condition – see her reflection in the bed extension? Francene . . . she’s got a feel all of her own. Such a gentle rhythm, not to mention way toooo cute. She’s aged pretty gracefully for a 59 year-old! There’s something about working with vintage equipment – mentally it seems to take you back to simpler times, a less rushed pace somehow. Whatever it is, I like it!
So there she is – Francene the sewing machine!
Links
ISMACS – International Sewing Machine Collectors’ Society
Home of the Singer Featherweight
Gaileee’s Featherweight 221 Resource Site
9 comments
Comments feed for this article
April 3, 2011 at 4:34 am
Blanche Schley
I have just checkedmy featherweight singer and it is a centennial model.
It sews so very well and I do a lot of quilting sewing and so enkouh this machine,
I do have a problem with another sinfer that i bought through e-bay.
I guess I did not read all the fine orint, but when it arived it was an machine from the UK. The one item missing was a cinvertor thar wiyls change it from the uk to usa. is there any help you can give me to solve this problem? This wil be a graduation to my granddaughter. Please help.
April 3, 2011 at 4:37 am
Blanche Schley
Just read my comment and some of the spelling indicates that I need a cup of coffee right now. Thanks again for your hrelp. The pictures of all the machines are great.
April 3, 2011 at 4:38 am
Blanche Schley
Just read my comment and some of the spelling indicates that I need a cup of coffee right now. Thanks again for your hrelp. The pictures of all the machines are great. If anyone reading this comment and can help me with the convertor problem, thanks in advance.
April 13, 2011 at 3:48 am
Esther
I have a friend that has been quilting for years and this is the only machine she uses. It’s a classic Singer beauty and apparently seems to last forever.
May 31, 2012 at 4:11 am
Ngoc
How much did you buy it for and do they have another one
October 12, 2012 at 9:16 am
Linda Z
I have been given a Featherweigh 221K1. From what I can find out it was made in Scotland during the 30′s. Just got it back from being servic ed. I love it!!! Can anyone give me more information. The manuel is in French.
Also, what is the attachment on Francine?
October 13, 2012 at 4:47 pm
Sue H (Suedio)
Hi Linda
I hope you have many wonderful hours sewing on your “new” machine. I think they are lovely.
Here’s a link to a site that has manuals for the machines in English – http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-sewing-machine-manuals.html.
I have found the manual invaluable. The most important thing is to do regular cleaning, particularly in the bobbin area. It only takes a small lint build up to cause issues. If you get into the habit of giving the machine a quick clean each time you’ve finished with it you shouldn’t go wrong. I find a dry cotton bud / q-tip works really well. It can get into small spots and it grabs the lint easily. Oiling regularly is important too. I think if you spend a little time getting very familiar with the operation of your machine you will find both use and maintenance very easy. You should be able to keep it in good running order yourself then.
The attachment on Francene (near the needle?) is a seam guide (part number 25527). It just screws into position and can be quickly adjusted to different positions. I’m not sure if it came as a standard part with the 221, but it fits and it works. It came in a box of attachments that came with my 66K Treadle machine.
I’d love to hear how you get on with your machine. Happy stitching . . .
Sue
April 10, 2013 at 2:14 pm
Sasha
I have read several just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how so much effort you set to make one of these excellent informative website.
May 5, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Sue
Hi Sue – I love your blog – I am thinking of purhasing one of these from the UK just thought you could advise a reputable site to purchase from – I am frightened off ebay so won’t go there – also did you purchase from OS if so did you get them to do a conversion or did you have it done here in Australia.