My husband surprised me tonight with an early Valentine’s gift–this Singer Featherweight 221-1.

She is still unnamed although we know she was born November 7, 1949 in the Clydebank, Scotland factory of Kilbowie with serial number EF563501.  She is missing her bobbin case so she will not be pressed into service until I am able to locate and purchase one.

I have been on the hunt for a Featherweight for some time now.  I recently lost out on one on an e-Bay auction and then lost out on a white model because someone got to the seller before I could.  I was beginning to think I was never going to lay my hands on one of these precious machines.  That is until, tonight.  🙂

EDIT (Feb 9, 2013):  My Featherweight now has a name!  My husband and I have named my Featherweight, Charlotte–a Scottish girl’s name.

Cleo was my Christmas present from my husband and kids this past Christmas.  As near as I can determine, she is a reproduction of the Singer model 15.  (Serial number NTL 4209555)

My husband and son worked on making a new base for her and included the name plaque which says, “Silver Thimble Quilting”.

Cleo was purchased by my son at a police auction so she does not have a manual.  I threaded her tonight and took her for a test drive.  Unfortunately, the fabric is not advancing as she stitches.  I am not sure if I have her set up wrong or if something needs to be adjusted as I don’t have the manual.

It doesn’t matter that I can’t currently sew with Cleo as she is beautiful and she will look great in the foyer of our house.