Mary,
You might want to find a dealer online that sells Featherweights and other vintage/antique sewing machines. I found one in Canada several years ago, but he is no longer in business. You need to "Google" the term "vintage Singer Featherweight sewing machine" or "Singer 221 sewing machine" in the search. Singer is now making a model called the Featherweight, but it is nothing like the vintage 221 model.

I'm sorry to tell you this, but to get a 221 in good condition, you may have to spend $400-$500. I think mine was about $425 and that was several years ago.

Most reputable sellers have the machine either "as is" or they pride themselves on selling refurbished and reconditioned machines in good working order with as many accessories as possible, These might include, the carry case with the handle (although I think there are reproduction handles available now), attachments, bobbins, and the manual (which are available in a book or to download online). You do not want to buy a machine that has been cosmetically painted.

You must be sure that the bobbin case is included in the sale. There are tales of these being stolen or left out and they are very pricy and may be hard to find.

Don't limit your search to the Southeast to find your machine. A good dealer can ship the machine (insured!!) in excellent shape from just about anywhere.

Hope this helps,
Teresa

Here is a link that might be useful: one of the many 221 web sites

Thanks, Theresa! I'll sure check it out tonight after work!

Mary

Mary,
I bought mine on ebay, several years ago, maybe 5 and paid over $400. It sews like a champ, but you're right they're pricy, mine is a 1951, 221 and that's singer's centinal year. Good Luck in your quest. By the way you might could use one of those auction sniper programs to get the machine.
Susan

My son who's very much more ebay-savvy mentioned sniping, but I wasn't aware that there's a program. That must be why I keep getting outbid at the last minute! Thanks, Susan, for the tip!

Mary

Here is a dealer in Boone, NC. If you don't see what you want, contact them by email and let them know what you are looking for - they can be on the look-out for a machine for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Vintage Singer machines

Here is another Featherweight dealer that I found. Because she collects antique machines, I would feel confident dealing with such a person. Just my opinion.

Here is a link that might be useful: J. Hooton's site

I just got mine for Christmas. DH found it on a local online auction site and was able to pick it up for $150. The case is in bad shape, but otherwise she's in great shape. I've been watching ebay lately and I think the prices are really coming down. I hope you are able to find one you like, they are so CUTE!

Laura

Laura, you are very lucky! Nice of DH to look for it for you. I spent a good bit of time today on-line but all were out of my budget, I'm afraid. They are so CUTE! I would love to have bunches of them.

Mary

I guess I'm very lucky I found mine when I did - someone in my quilt guild needed to sell hers (she had about 11 or 12 different sewing machines, and alot of debt) and I bought her Featherweight - I paid $350 for it about 5 yrs ago, and it's in perfect condition as she really treasured it so I guess her misfortune was my fortune! I had seen them in antique sales for around that price, but usually not in pristine shape - one was really musty-smelling, I remember.

You make me feel good....I still have my K222 (like 22l only mine is open arm). It was my first sewing machine and I've had it forty years now. I did upgrade a number of times but have always hung onto my little featherweight. My mother loved my machine and I was able to locate one for her in the l980's for $125.00 Canadian. Both our machines work like clockwork .... be sure to check the canadian market I've come across 221's in different stores. Good luck

I paid $350 for a 1957 model 221FW 5 years ago on eBay. I just got my 2nd, a 1937 model at a local thrift shop for $185. It is nicer than my 1957 model, so don't let the year influence you. I suppose it was not used as much. It had a new belt, new handle for case, new owner's manual, and it didn't sew. It had wrong needle, had needle inserted wrong, needle threaded wrong (needs to be R to L,not L to R), machine threaded wrong, and it needed oiling and greasing. I suppose someone inherited it and couldn't get it to sew. Everything must be "By The Book" for them to work, but it is not difficult. They both work perfectly now.