Singer Featherweight 221

I have had great success with New Home which is the same as Janome. I had one from the sixties a model 444 that lasted for 34 years. and now I have a 632 that works with cams so it has some decorative stitches. In good shape, it is easy to oil and clean lint out of. I would go with a Janome 4618 for something newer. It has all the same features and is metal based. Should last for a few decades.

Singer featherweight 222 (free-arm version of a 221). A very close second is a Singer 201-2.

I have a very fancy computerized machine. Not a thing wrong with it. It sits neglected in a corner now. I love my old Singers. The stitching is flawless.

I like my featherweight and my Singer 301, both just do straight stitching except with special zigzag attachment. For fancier stitching the Singer 500 is great.

My Mom's old singer 401A is an absolute work horse. It has built in decorative stitches plus cams to do more, overcast stitches, etc. It came with rufflers and button holers too. It's a fabulous machine. I think it was one of the best machines Singer ever made. Only thing is, I don't know if you can get light bulbs for it any more....

Pfaff 2011 ... pushbutton basic zig-zag and stretch seam stitching, all-metal

And alas, in the hands of my SO's daughter right now.

I'm another singer 401A lover! Learned to sew on on in the early 60,s. I'm a bit of sewing machine addict. I have 2, found another one for my daughter and one for my sister. It's the best machine singer ever made in my opinion. It's such a work horse.

I still have Mom's Singer 401A...I think it was one of the best machines they ever made.

I also have Mom's Viking from the early 70s which is also a great machine.