I always thought I wanted a Featherweight machine, like so many other quilters. But somewhere along the way in my research I learned about the Singer 301s which are considered the Featherweight's "Big Sister" and knew that this was more of what I'd want to have one day.
Recently while perusing the local Craiglist ads while sipping my morning cuppa (something I do every morning just for fun) I saw an ad for one for sale about an hour from me and I quickly emailed the seller, hoping that it wasn't gone already.
It was my lucky day and before I picked up the kids from camp this was home with me. According to her serial number she was made in 1953 and I got her for a fair price.
Some people say the black longbed is the "Holy Grail" of the 301s as there were less of them made and they have the decals that the Tan and the Tan/Oyster versions don't. The long bed versions certainly seem to be harder to find than the short bed versions.
A complete buttonholer came with her along with an extra set of cams. I expect that I'll try this out but since I really only wanted her for her excellent straight stitch I don't plan on using this accessory much.
Her decals are in pretty decent shape considering she is 64 years old. The finish needs some polish but I know she will shine.
I haven't had the time yet to give her the TLC that she needs but overall she isn't in bad shape and it won't take a ton of work to get her humming along nicely again.
I love that these machines are reliable work horses and I know that she will be sewing beautifully for many more years to come once I get her cleaned up. I chuckle when I hear about the people that collect these machines and that's not me. I'm happy to just have my one.
When I start taking her apart and giving her some attention I'll be certain to share that process with you. I expect it will be interesting.
She does need a name, since I name all of my machines, but the right one hasn't come to me. I'm sure in time that it will. Of course, I'm willing to take any suggestions under advisement. :)
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12 Comments:
She is indeed a beauty. Congrats on the acquisition!
SHe's a beauty. I love the oil smell when I sew with mine...LOL!!! (I know that's wierd...but it's true.)
She was made the same year I was born. You could name her Jewel (my middle name). Enjoy your new machine!
*Congratulations!!!*
I absolutely *love!* my Singer 301 sewing machine!!... It's my favorite (of too many)!
(Mine is the black short bed... It's in the beautiful cherry wood cabinet that a dear neighbor/friend had originally bought it in, over 65 years ago... I bought it from her estate 20 years ago, and had no idea at the time what a treasure I was getting!)
Enjoy!!
Pat T.
Lucky! Have fun getting to know her. I love the details on the old machines.
I LOVE my 301 and use it so often - much more than my featherweight.
Congratulations on your new baby. I hope you get it up and running smoothly real soon, and enjoy many years of fun sewing.
I love the blog post, and you helped me make such a fun card with it!
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Beautiful sewing machine Michele, there is nothing better than the old vintage sewing machines. Enjoy!
I too have a 301 ... but must find to e to really try her out . I love the sound the old girls make.
institchesandseams@hotmail.ca
I too have a 301 ... but must find to e to really try her out . I love the sound the old girls make.
institchesandseams@hotmail.ca
I very much like your pattern it's beautiful,thank for sharing good i dea !
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