Logan County OHCE offering a Singer Featherweight Clinic

For most quilters, you will discover they are partial to using the Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine. It is a lightweight durable machine that is easy to maintain and sews a reliable stitch.

Singer “Featherweight” history actually begins before Singer and before 1933 & 1934 (when Singer debuted their model 221 at the Chicago World’s Fair). The “Featherweight” name and style really had its beginnings in 1928, when the standard Sewing Machine Company marketed the first “Featherweight” Sewing Machine. This Singer  was vastly different from most all sewing machines on the market during it’s day.

First, to be considered an actual Singer “Featherweight”, the sewing machine must be a 221 or 222 model.  So, while there were millions and millions of black sewing machine models made by Singer, the 221 and 222 models are the only ones that are considered to be in the Featherweight classification.  As such, there are a few distinguishing characteristics that can be quickly ascertained when spotting a bona fide Singer Featherweight compared to other old, black Singers.  If the opportunity allows for physically lifting a Featherweight 221 or 222 model, one can immediately note how lightweight it is — just over 11 pounds.  Contrast that with other Singer models which are made of cast steel, extremely heavy, and weigh nearly three times that!  Seeing a machine in pictures, however, does not permit tangible evidence, so we will illustrate the most notable characteristics in photos, particularly when compared to other, more common vintage black Singer model machines.  

FEATHERWEIGHT CHARACTERISTICS
 A QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

• Cast Aluminum, Lightweight at 11 lbs
• Flip-Up Bed Extension
• Motor Style & Placement
• Bobbin Case Access
• Light Fixture & Housing
• Bobbin Winder
• Compact Carrying Case

The Logan County OHCE is offering a Singer Featherweight Clinic on November 6 from 1-5 pm at the Logan County Fairgrounds Educational Building. Cost to participate in the clinic is $45. You will receive a supply list for the class. You must provide your own Singer Featherweight machine for the class.

The clinic will be taught by Jim Sorrell, he has been teaching and maintaining Singer Featherweight machines since the mid-1960’s. He is very thorough and does an excellent job teaching and explaining the parts of the machine. He can show and tell you exactly what is required to keep your machine in great working order. Mr. Sorrell also has a variety of Singer Featherweight machine parts for sale to make your machine complete and authentic.

You will learn how to clean and maintain your machine for many years of sewing pleasure. Class is limited, so don’t delay signing up for the class. If you are interested in attending the Singer Featherweight Clinic, call the Logan County OSU Extension Center at 405-282-3331 for details.