Let's face it, most serious quilters become private detectives searching for the perfect portable, and if they are fortunate they discover a small wonder called the "Featherweight." This classic machine (made from the mid-1930's until the early 60's) is understood to sew the most even stitch of any sewing machine in the world. With its modest weight (11 lbs) it's perfect for taking on trips and to workshops, yet has an almost surprising sewing strength even on heavier materials.
This innovative wonder, was first introduced in 1933 at the Chicago World's Fair. With a sturdy yet feather light aluminium base and arm components, its careful engineering drastically reduced weight. Its flip-up extension table added work area, a numbered dial took the guesswork out of tension setting, a re-worked and improved bobbin case increased sewing speed and reliability, and an easily-selected reverse feature added a special touch of versatility. If that was not good enough, maintenance was made easier with a single thumb screw releasing the bottom pan for lubrication.
It became one of the most popular machines ever offered to the American household. The full-rotary mechanism was quiet, efficient, and almost vibrationless. The machine could be placed in the special carrying case and stored in a closet or room without taking a lot of precious space. Salesmen liked the machine because it was easy to handle, or carry, for demonstration purposes. The machine was a favorite with college girls. Singer 221 sales always increased when a new school term started! Unlike previous portable machines, the basic concept of the 221 was a self-contained unit. Before the last machines at the start of WWII, the common way to close a 221 sale was "throw in the case the machine came in because this is the last 221 until after the war." There are many women who "bought the last Featherweight portable before the war", and could prove it, because the salesman gave her the case!"
