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The Singer model 221, affectionately called the “Featherweight”, is a classic, straight-stitch only sewing machine. This proven machine was initial introduced at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933 and remained in production until 1970! I’ve noted before that the Bernina 830 would be one of the firstborn three machines inducted into the Sewing Machine Hall of Fame (if there was such a thing). While that’s true regarding the Bernina, it’s likewise true that the Singer 221 would have been the basi machine inducted! This solid, reliable, well designed machine (basically same design for almost 40 years — why change it!) is on most each sewist’s wish list. There were various models in the 221 line — but you may gorgeous much discerned them by colors. There were four colors invented by Singer — here are three of them. Shiny lacquer black, white (actually a light greenish white now and again called celery), and a beige model. There was a fourth model formulated for a short time for the duration of World War II in a crinkle finish — sort of a flat black that was actually a genuinely dark grey. The most mutual is black, next is white, then tan. The “crinkle” finish is very rare. These are flat-bed machines with a flip-down extension bed (much like it’s big sister, the Singer 301). The black and beige models have long beds; the white model has a short bed. There is likewise a free arm version, the model 222. This version is for the most part found overseas and commands a premium price. Singer made millions of these machines over almost 40 years; unless they’ve been sitting outside in the rain for 30 years, they’re probably still sewing as well as the day they were born — but prices for 221′s stay gorgeous high. This is a outstanding example of supply and demand pricing — the supply is beauteous high, but the demand is even higher! Featherweight’s rate high on the cute scale — humans love these little guys. Although the models are fundamentally the same, you may spot assorted divergences in the dissimilar colored models. Most evident from the front of the machine are the differing faceplates. The shiny black 221 has two two dissimilar steel faceplates. Early models have a “scrolled” faceplate; later models employed a faceplate with parallel grooves. The beige and white models use a stamped and painted faceplate. This makes them for less to manufacture. These were introduced near the end of the 221′s production life. The “crinkle” finish models are basically the black models, but with a crinkle finish. Rather than decals, they have three parallel grooves bounding the sewing base. Some have shiny parallel grooved faceplates, others have crinkle-finish faceplates with three parallel grooves. Only two production runs of “crinkle” finish machines have been documented. All 221′s use popular Class 15 bobbins. I brought up four production colors — but note that there is an aftermarket for “painted” Featherweights. Folks take regular Featherweights, strip them down, then paint them in respective colors with automobile paint. These are not factory models — whether or not you want to recompense a premium price for the paint occupation is up to you ( and numerous persons choose to do so!) 221′s were fabricated in the US and in other countries. You’ll often find motors for voltages other than 110. Generally, the white models and the 222 free-arms are most likely to use dissimilar voltages. Portability is a huge merchandising point with the 221′s. They weigh 11 or 12 pounds and are easy to move. People love to take their 221′s to sewing classes and quilting groups — peculiarly since the machine is so cute! While persons have dubbed them “Featherweights”, this is not their official Singer name. Be conscious that Singer has invented a recent line of imported machines they’ve called Featherweights. This is most unquestionably not the same machine and is not viewed as a desirable machine. |
