Finally, the pictures of my lovely little 222K Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine. It traveled across the pond to get here. I'm so happy to have found this little beauty. And of course I'm fortunate that I have such a sweet generous hubby. He's the one who asked whether the seller would be willing for us to meet him in London to pick out a machine. So back in July when we went to Scotland, the first thing that we did was to drive over to Graham Forsdyke's abode. Graham used to be very much into motorcycles, racing and Formula 1 cars, so, as you probably have guessed already, he and Steve spent quite a long time shooting the breeze and being all manly. Graham almost forgot to show me the machines! :-) (Check out the long list of books that Graham's written. We were in the midst of a celebrity and didn't even realize it.)
My little machine was made in 1956 at the Singer Factory in Kilbowie, Scotland near Glasgow. This area is also known as Clydebank. Interesting history. Here's a little video clip of the production line in this plant, not of the 222K but other machines. Click on the quicktime clip to see it.
Now the reason why I really wanted the 222K model as opposed to the 221K model is that this one has a darning feature. Remember when I first discovered them? This means that the feed dogs will lower and that it can be used for free-motion embroidery. It also has the nice handy little feature of being a free-arm machine with the removal of one little screw. Cool, huh?
Rachel insisted, once again, to be part of the photo shoot. Here she's demonstrating how easy it is to lower the foot to start sewing. Also, if you'll notice closely at the motor that it is an official Singer 110 volt motor. That's Graham's specialty - he switches out the 220 volt European motors in favor of the 110 volt North American motors. Apparently there's many American quilters here who love to buy his machines. :-) And the little black case that it goes in. The entire machine is pretty lightweight .. about 1-2 lbs heavier than the 221K model, but still manageable.
Graham was such a pleasant man and a great person to buy a machine from. It only took a day or two for the machine to ship from London to California. (I'm the one who's been holding back on photographing it.) He's also the best guru out there for any information you need about the Singer Featherweights.
Since then I've compiled quite a few websites about it:
- To purchase machines: Graham Forsydyke
- To purchase machines and hard to find accessories: April 1930's
- Some facts: Planet Patchwork's Featherweight Facts
- Book on maintenance and repair: Featherweight and I
- Featherweight parts: 221 parts
- Discover when your machine was born: Singer Serial Site
- Maintenance ideas: Care and Feeding of Featherweight
- Best repair book: Bert's Repair Your Own Machine
- Interesting stories: Singer Sewing Machine Memories
- Yahoo support group: Featherweight Group
Oh my goodness, I almost forgot to talk about the lovely quilt that is in the photographs. My grandmother made that for me when I was a young girl and it's seen a lot of use. It's starting to have a few rips here and there that I need to mend but I don't want to just put it away. I get more pleasure out of using it on a daily basis as my lap quilt, than I ever would if it were stored out of sight. The pattern is a churn dash, directions for it are here.
Oh, I can't believe you met Graham in person! For years, I was on FW Fanatics with him! How cool that you were right there and bought the little freearm from him. Lucky, lucky you! Love the quilt your grandmother made, too.
Next time I'm going up 5, I'll have to look for the dragon and try to snap a pic.
Posted by: Susan | August 24, 2007 at 05:59 PM
Yay for you! I'm totally jealous.
Posted by: kathy | August 24, 2007 at 10:52 PM
Wow, I can't believe you sent all the way over here for a machine! I still have my grandmothers' singers (one treadle, one electric) in Canada. I unfortunately, don't have the room for them here in London.
Posted by: Colleen | August 26, 2007 at 01:07 PM
I was given a Featherweight and I haven't taken any time to play with it. Thanks for all the links and information! :)
Posted by: Katie Greenwood | August 26, 2007 at 05:48 PM
What a treasure you have there! Thanks for sharing a little of it with us! Happy Day :o)
Posted by: Tracy | August 27, 2007 at 05:12 AM
What a beautiful machine! I have one that my mother-in-law gave me. It was hers, but none of her daughters or sons sew, so she gave it to me -- wasn't that a great present!
Posted by: Pamdora | August 28, 2007 at 06:15 AM
What a great find! Enjoy your new beauty!
Posted by: Lisa D. | August 28, 2007 at 12:04 PM
I have heard of Graham. I am so happy for you to have found a Featherweight! I love mine, and especially enjoy taking it with me to classes. I found a very cool gadget called "The Accurate Seam Guide" that I am going to post on soon. You might like that accessory.
Posted by: Nicole | August 31, 2007 at 10:06 AM
My mom also has a Singer Featherweight Site. She sells the accessories for the Featherweight, and you can pretty much ask her many a question about the singer machines, and she'll know the answer.
Her blog is at:
http://singerfeatherweight221.blogspot.com/
Posted by: gaileee | April 01, 2009 at 01:04 PM
are the machines made in scotland of better quality or worth more than those made in the u.s. and canada?
Posted by: mel | June 16, 2009 at 05:08 PM