Featherweight Fanatics Archives
2004
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Read the archives at: http://www.ttsw.com/FWFanatics/FWArchivesrev.html
http://www.FeatherWeightFanatics.com/fwf
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Featherweight Fanatics A Service of Sue Traudt's Valley Brook Botanicals
Digest of postings from Sunday, February 22, 2004
Welcome to all our new members!
To post a message - send it to: FWFanatics@ttsw.com
To post a message to the For sale list - sent it to: FWForSale@ttsw.com
To pay dues http://ttsw.com/JoinLists.html
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From: "Ann"
Subject: NOT IMPRESSED
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 18:40:34 -0500
tHE SITE JS*YLE.COM IS PORNOGRAPHIC -- YUKKY -- sad to see this on the
FW's. Ann
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The correct URL is http://www.jslyle.com with an L as posted.
Do not mistype, the wrong spelling leads to a nasty Korean site.
Eric
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From: "Linda Harris"
Subject: Texas FWs, More on Fla. Gathering
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 23:34:31 -0500
I didn't see the big dollar machine, but I have learned
that the three most valuable FWs are probably the
Texas Cetennial badge, the Golden Gate Expo
badge, and the Chicago World's Fair badge.
Never have seen any of those in life. The
rarest one I've seen personally was a godzilla/krinkle
FW. Alex, I presume that 1836 refers to Texas, not
Singer! :)
Now, if you want to see some NEW rare FWs, come
join us at the North Florida Gathering March 12-14.
My co-host, Rick White, has painted several FWs
in intriguing fashion, and has actually made a real
handcrank FW, complete with light. They will all
be on display. In addition, FWF members, the
Behrmans, who have conducted many a FW care
workshop, will be there to give advice. And we
are hoping that Glenn Williams and Chris Vagtborg
will be able to join us as well for the big FW parade
day, March 13th.
Where else could you learn so much about FWs for
the price of a bag of chips or a dessert, and maybe
a sewing or fabric item for the raffle? We're feeding
you a great free lunch to boot. 2 kinds of BBQ,
beans, slaws, potato salad. I'll even make sure there
are boiled peanuts to munch on, to complete your
Southern culinary tour.
If that's not enough enticement, here's some more about
my illustrious co-hosts. Suzie is a past national Hoffman
challenge winner (won the doll challenge TWICE!), and will
be demonstrating the nifty Singer 2 thread embroidery
attachment. Rick can fix anything, and in addition to
answering questions about FW painting, etc; will be
showing how to convert a 201 with a potted (internal)
motor to a handcrank. A lot of people think this can't
be done. Well, bring your digicams... And, a new
flash, Rick has also fashioned a handcrank that will
work with the White Rotary machines, a breakthrough
sure to appeal to all those panting for an elusive White
handcrank.
Did I mention that it's shorts and flip flop weather already,
but *without* the bugs?? More info on the gathering at
http://www.treadleon.net/fleamarket/events.htm
Lin in FL
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From: "Glenn & Bonnie Sethre"
Subject: Cleaner
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 17:24:41 -0800
To any one interested:
I have tried cleaning old sewing machines with every thing that any one
has told me about or that I have read. Recently I have been getting
some machines ready to go on a mission to Mexico, with a group from our
church. Any thing that will sew, is a machine to go. Electric that
is. I like the old Singers best 15-91, 300 series, 400 series plus old
Sears and Montgomery Wards. Last year we must have sent over a dozen
down and this year I think I will have that many myself, plus any they
get from other sources. They will go into the interior of Mexico where
they have recently gotten electricity for the first time. The
machines are left with the mission down there for the local ladies to
use or take home and use. This seems to be working out well. Back
to cleaning, I wanted you to know that these are not Featherweights, but
I think this idea would work well on FWs to. Test any thing you might
use where it will not show. I don't know where I got this idea, but I
am using GoJo original formula hand cleaner to clean up these machines.
Make sure it is the original formula and has no abrasives in it. I am
well pleased with the results, it takes all the old oil or greasy like
substance off. It does not remove the sticky from tape, I remove this
very carefully with Goof Off, but it scares me. I apply the GoJo by
hand and with a tooth brush (some of these machines have been setting
for years) and wipe down and polish with a soft cloth. GLENN S.
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Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 20:02:32 -0500
Subject: Re: Needle threader/seam ripper tool
From: frances barnes
Someone asked about the date when these were made/sold. The one I have
was sold and/or given to me when I bought my first Singer 15 91electric
machine in 1949 or 50. Unfortunately I traded that machine in several
years later for a zz model which was fine but I really like the stitches
a straight stitch machine makes much better than the zz models..
Fran Barnes
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From: Pkgczarina@aol.com
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 18:26:13 EST
Subject: Alex's story
Alex's story reminded me of a cross-dressing professor where I used to work.
The first time he came to me with a parking ticket I had a terrible time
keeping a straight face---he had a beard, full make up and nail polish on with his
ladies' attire. The second time he came in he couldn't understand how I
could have remembered his name!!!!!!
Susan in S CA
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From: "Terry Back"
Subject: Centennial Edition
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 15:04:36 -0800
Hi Feathers,
I showed my newly aquired Featherweight to my oldest son over the
holidays. I had picked it up at a yard sale very inexpensively. Not
the "purdiest".... but it purrs like a kitten. I love it...... Then, my
son just called me, today, from San Diego and told me he picked up a
Featherweight at an estate sale. He was describing it to me and he was
describing a Singer Centennial Edition! (1851 - 1951) manufactured in
1950-51, serial# AK615639. I told him to take it directly to a
qualified service store and service it before using. Anyone know of a
qualified, reputable Featherweight service store in San Diego? I'm
really tickled for him. He was trying to talk me out of mine over
Christmas.... I know he's going to enjoy it!
Terry (Robosew) in Sunny? Calif
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Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 15:01:09 -0800
From: ikwlt@cox.net
Subject: white/celery case
>>>>>To Sharon
>
>>I bought a featherweight "celery" from a private source who assured me
case was original. It is dark blue top, with aqua or lt. blue bottom.
>>Case has dark blue handle, two clasps, no lock. Inside a beige check
paper. I have seen (on ebay,current) only one like it. <<<<<
>
>I might add that even though this is the original case for the white
Featherweight, it is not the same quality as the case made for the black
>featherweight, and the reason that you have not seem many of them around
is that they don't hold up as well.
>PatBergman
i told you i'm going thru older posts, so once again i am behind, but i
must tell you of my two cases. both are original to the machine, both have
green bottom, a white lid with the same green stitched onto the very top
(hope that is clear), a green handle, and only one latch which locks and is
centered on the front of the case. was there more than one type of case
for the white/celery 221?
dutchrose ---{-@
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Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 14:38:45 -0800
From: ikwlt@cox.net
Subject: OEM bobbin case
>Bobbin Case Falling Out
>Under normal circumstances, the bobbin case should not just fall out on
>its own. The simplest solution would be to see whether or not the BC is
>an OEM Singer. Despite improvements, I have not found the replacement
>bobbin cases to be very useful.
>Steve Ward
>sewingdoc
i'm so glad this has come up recently, i am catching up w/e-mail so am a
bit behind. i was just looking around for replacement bobbin cases and
remembered there was much talk about the reproductions and their
useability. i do remember someone saying that with a bit of "fiddling"
before sale, they had not had any come back to them with a problem. i
would love to have some more discussion about this on the list for
everyone's benefit.
dutchrose ---{-@
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From: "O. C. Griffy"
Subject: Pressure foot lifter handle
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 15:23:03 -0700
Need help to fine a lifter handle for 221 pressure foot SR # AG821926.
O.C.
10131 WHITETAIL DR
EL PASO, TX. 79924-3562
915-755-9148
ogriffy@elp.rr.com
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From: PATBERGMAN@aol.com
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 11:33:55 EST
Subject: Request:To the people who sell replacement parts.
I certainly would encourage all the people who sell, Free service with
membership, to post a note every week to be listed in this edition, with just a line
or two, such as "Remember, I still sell parts and/or machines at (your
Email, URL address or phone number).
To all you nice people who sell/have available parts for 221 (and other
sewing machines supplies).
Some people advertise at great length each and every week, but many do not.
I go nuts trying to remember what certain people specialize in selling.
A one or two line message sent in every week or so, would make it much
easier for me when I want to help some one with information, such as Joy, and I am
sure I am not the only one who would appreciate this information being more
readily available. I would make a guess that I am not the only one who's bear
trap mind had sprung.
I really do like to help people if I can. I am on a couple lists, and when
someone posts that they need something, and I have to search for your website
or Email address from a "favorites" list that is as long as Gone with the Wind,
and then I worry about who's name I did not remember, it is a real pain.
So, you guys, get off the dime, and make a master Email, save it, pull it
out every week of so, and send a copy in to FWF4 Sale and make my life easier.
Just a reminder will really help a lot.
PatBergman PS: when I was still working people would ask me what was the
most important thing in running a successful business. My answer was always,
Location, Location, Location. Now in cyberspace it is, the same, with the
addition of the words, "Let people know your location!"
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From: PATBERGMAN@aol.com
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 11:31:53 EST
Subject: Color of foot controller.
Joy, There are several places you can get the replacement cords from people
who belong to this group, where they know what you are talking about, have what
you need, and sell satisfaction guaranteed. It takes a little longer, but
then you will have the best quality. Also, keep any parts that you replace, to
pass along with the machine.
About the two colors of speed/foot controllers. I just bought a 206 with the
most beautiful dark brown, close to black, foot controller. Singer did make
this type foot controller for years, and on the swing needle machines they
matched the color (or nearly matched) of the machine, as my 319 foot controller
is green, same as the machine.
After the green controller burned a hole in my carpet, I took it and an extra
black controller down to My OSMG, Juan, he switched the covers so I still
have a green color foot controller to go with my green 319.
I would hazard a guess that sometime in it's life, your machine had the foot
controller replaced, by someone who did not realize, or care, that they could
just replace/switch the cover and keep the machine authentic.
When you get your copy of the For Sale Edition, due out today, Sunday, look
and see.
PatBergman
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From: "julia jones"
Subject: Big thank you from UK!
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 16:02:10 +0000
Thanks to the many members who took the trouble to e-mail me regarding my
problems with my new 221 machine. I am happy to report that the machine is
now working fine, stitching beautifully. I am so pleased and touched by the
response and so, too, is my husband, who is mightily relieved to see me
smiling and quilting again! The problem was with the bobbin seating, which
was full of lint and had been taken to pieces before and reassembled
wrongly. A good clean and the correct replacement solved the problem.
Julia Jones
http://www.catterncakes.com
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Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 10:43:38 +0000
From: Graham Forsdyke
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 2/21/2004
~GAquiltR~ said
> > Go to http://www.jslyle.com
>>
> > This site is operated by a couple who deal with FWs & accessories -
A good selection but mighty expensive compared to the same products elsewhere
EG Reproduction bobbin case $45 against $30 and reproduction motor
$123 against $80
To Joy who wrote
>
>I have two featherweight cords that have been taped with electrical tape and
>would like to take them to a service person for replacement. Any suggestions
>on what to ask for?
Any decent electrician will be able to do this and will have access
to wiring catalogs that can be used to get a near match to the cord.
> Also
>wondering if anyone knows why one of my featherweight foot pedals is dark
brown instead of black?
The brown one is a replacement -- both were originally black
To Jean who asked
>. Was that a walking
>foot that was sold just for the featherweight or as a foot for a low
>shank machine like the featherweight? I
There was no specific Featherweight walking foot and none features in
any of the FW parts lists or catalogs
Graham Forsdyke
Purveyor of fine Featherweights to the gentry
ISMACS London
http://www.ismacs.net
http://www.singer-featherweight.com
Bert's Vintage Repair Book Book:
http://www.singer-featherweight.com/bert/bert.html
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From: AlexSussex@aol.com
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 06:02:59 EST
Subject: Alex
Hi All
Julia it is most unusual to have feed dogs lowered on a FW 221. Are you sure
it is a 221 and not a 222 that has a feed dog lowering lever? If it is a 221
then clean away any fluff under the needleplate and see what happens. If they
still do not come above the neeldleplate (on there forward movement only) then
you will have to adjust the feed dog height form under the machine. Remember
they only need to rise above the plate a slight amount for forward movement. Is
the pressure knob on the top of the machine that puts pressure on the foot
screwed down enough?
Alex
www.sewalot.com
Alex's sewing story books.
http://www.sewalot.com/books.htm
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From: AlexSussex@aol.com
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 05:56:26 EST
Subject: Alex
Hi All
Joy your FW pedal is brown probably because it has been replaced at some time
in the past with an equivalent one from something like a Singer 185. Exactly
the same inside.
On slightly different topic, how many of you are on Broadband? It is catching
on over in England very quickly and I was wondering if it was doing the same
over the pond!
www.sewalot.com
Alex's sewing story books.
http://www.sewalot.com/books.htm
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Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 20:37:17 +0000
From: Graham Forsdyke
Subject: Re: FW Fanatics 2/20/2004
To Julia who said
>
>My husband has just bought me a 221 from a local auction. It is in
>wonderful condition but unfortunately has no manual. I was disappointed
>when trying to sew as the feed dogs are lowered. Please can you tell me how
>to adjust these. I would be very grateful.
The only way this can be done is to "fix" the feed dogs in a down
position -- they cannot then be adjusted up again by simple means.
To do it check here
http://www.singer-featherweight.com/servicemanpix-pages/Service6.html
Graham Forsdyke
Purveyor of fine Featherweights to the gentry
ISMACS London
http://www.ismacs.net
http://www.singer-featherweight.com
Bert's Vintage Repair Book Book:
http://www.singer-featherweight.com/bert/bert.html
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From: "janet l sexton"
Subject: Thrift store find!
Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 22:57:38 -0800
I am always so happy when someone finds a good deal at their local thrift
shop. Well, today was my turn. While I was browsing in one part of the
store, DH found a sewing machine in a suitcase type carrier. He stood there
with it in his hand until he caught my attention and motioned me over. When
I got there he told me he had a tan 301 in what I think is the original
case!!! I couldn't believe it when I saw the price was only $10. I was
estatic. I knew it was mine. We plugged it in and it ran smooth (needs a
little oil). The story gets better. When I got up to the register, the
cashier told me that small appliances were and additional 25% off. Can you
believe it? I got it for $7.50. We had also seen a small box in another
part of the store with some thread and several sewing machine accessories.
I didn't put it together until I got home that they were accessories for the
301. I called the store and spoke to the manager who pulled the box for me.
My DH went back and picked them up. The box was marked $3.00 which he was
prepared to pay, but the manager said that since they went with the machine,
he gave them to us. Does it get any better than that? I'm very pleased
with my new find. Thanks for listening, Janet
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From: "Debra Hodges"
Subject: repair guy in vancouver
Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 22:26:12 -0800
Yes Yes Yes , I would recommend Joe Carson. When I bought my FW my local
quiltshop gave me his name and he did a wonderful job and it sews like a
dream, and very reasonably priced.
Debb H.
When Life Gives You Scraps
Make A Quilt
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