Happy Thursday! I was actually planning on another adventures in thrifting post for this week, but I had a once in a lifetime find this weekend that deserves a post of it's own!!
On Saturday I was on my way to the library and decided to make a quick stop at our local Goodwill. I checked out my go-to sections: glassware, art supplies, linens, kids clothes. As I was about to leave I decided to walk past the electronics. I spotted the case and knew right away what should be inside, but I couldn’t imagine it really would be…
To my surprise a vintage Singer Featherweight 221K machine was inside and the price tag said $24.99. I don’t really remember walking to the register, but I was trying hard just to hold it together! It wasn’t until I got to the car that I let myself freak out properly!!
According to the paperwork in the case, it seems to have been serviced last in 2015.
It's in beautiful shape! A few nicks to the paint here and there, but they've been touched up.
This machine was manufactured in Kilbowie, Scotland in either 1968 or 1969.
I was prepared to give it a full cleaning before oiling, but I don't think it's been sewn on since it was serviced last. Not a bit of dust or loose threads! It definitely needed oil though, so I gave it a healthy dose of that.
I got sewing on it right away! I'm working on a new vintage sheet quilt using my Side Braid Quilt Pattern. It stitches great! The stitch regulator level was a bit tight, so I took off the stitch length plate to be able to oil a few spots, which helped. I know stitching on it will help loosen things up a bit too. It's stiff from what seems to be many years of sitting unused.
Obviously I'm going to need to make a tote for it! Good thing I have a pattern for that!! I'll be using my Sew Portable Travel Set Pattern, I just need to decide on the fabrics.
I still can't believe that I found one of these machines at a thrift store. One can only dream of a find like this!! I'll be dining out on this find/story for the rest of my life!
Happy Thrifting!
Oh my GOSH!!! I am so happy for you! What an amazing find. Even a black one in rough shape would be a great find. To get such a rare one in great shape is truly better than winning the lottery. I keep hoping to find a featherweight or a tan & white 301 to use, but they are never at my thrift shops and they are a bit out of my price range when I see them elsewhere for sale. Thrilled for you! I can only imagine how your heart was racing and how when you got to your car you probably said...did that really just happen?? :D Yay for good things happening to good people!!
ReplyDeleteWOW!! This is an amazing find and so glad that you are the owner. I have never seen a white Featherweight Singer. Excited for you to have many happy hours of stitching and creating. Enjoy your new Featherweight.
ReplyDeleteSunshine and Smiles,
Donna (aka Momma Llama)
Oh my gosh!!!! What a great find!!! Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a find and so beautiful, congrats!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are sew blessed!!! I have 3 featherweights; 2 black and one white (her name is Pearl), but I paid considerably more than $24.99! They are awesome little machines!!! Enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteWOW 😮. I’d say that’s a once in a lifetime find! That is the perfect 1st project! Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beauty. It looks right at home in your sewing room. I call that a Start the car moment.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! It’s beautiful! I won’t even say what I paid for mine…
ReplyDeleteOMG!!!!! I'm Hyperventilating and heading out to all the Goodwill's in the area!!!! What a fabulous find!!!!!!! I think she's found her forever home!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh! I so happy this machine has found a good home. You deserve each other.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you! Now quick, go buy a lottery ticket-it’s your lucky month.
ReplyDeleteWow, that was a lucky find! I have a black 221K produced 1952 in Scotland. Currently needing new foot pedal and leads as the original rubber coating has perished.
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations on your lucky little treasure you found! Enjoy your machine!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you. It is a really beautiful machine. I had to move to another apartment and they stole two of my singer machines. one was still new in a box that hadn't been opened and the other was used, but still in the box. I wanted to have classes for small kids at the library and teach them how to sew. So that idea has sort of gone out the door. the moving people stole my stuff as well as two other electrics and who knows what else since I haven't been able to unpack everything and it has been several months now. I'm surprised it was only $24 and change for your nice machine. Everything here including the Goodwill is super expensive and I live in this really small city San Antonio that has lots of low income. The gas prices are like $2.99 and in Houston (where I lived for 20 years) it is lower $2.39 and wonder why since that is a bigger market and has higher income etc..Anyway always love your posts and your thrifting and baking. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteSweet. It must have been good karma for sure. I am surprised you were able to make it to your car without passing out in shock.
ReplyDeleteThe universe sent it to the right person!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic find! I love my featherweight. Are those hoyas in the little green house?
ReplyDeleteWhat a beauty. Happy sewing!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a find! I don't know who you are, but I am smiling BiG Time for you. :o)
ReplyDeleteShe’s beautiful!
ReplyDelete