I have been wanting a Featherweight for the longest time, and when I started seeing ones painted other colors, I decided that was exactly what I wanted for my 50th birthday (which was last year....)
I found someone to restore and paint one for me, and it arrived today:
It was made the year my parents got married - 1948.
You know, I think that when they are repainted, they SHOULD be repainted something other than black - then you KNOW it's not original. I'd hate to spend good money on a "mint" machine and then find out it had been repainted.
British Racing Green - that would rock. I did choose my color from automotive paint; it's called "Plum Crazy" and was available on the
70-71 Challenger.
It sure is! That's purty!
You may get purists whinging at you for 'spoiling' a FW. Ignore them! If I ever get my hands on one that works just fine but has a poor paint surface, I will be very tempted to get it a new paint job like that. May go for ruby red or British Racing Green, or cobalt, or...
I'm sure when the right one turns up it'll tell me what colour it wants to be.
I agree with you on the purists. If you want it to be pink, or brown, or whatever. If it is kind of tatty then why not just paint it to suit you ideas. Now, if it was a pristine example, then I might have some issues with your choice of a repaint. But, if it is already chipped and careworn, why not make it into something that you like. Where did you get the painting done? I have seen some pictured at various quilt shows, but was never able to get a line on where the company was located.
I found someone who was offering a painted one on Ebay, and asked if he would do a custom job. I could not find a machine which I thought was rough enough to paint, at a price I would pay, (Honestly, there are some real pieces of cr*p out there for $300).
He had a couple that he had bought cheap and agreed to restore it and paint one for me to my specs. The folks who paint them at the shows are:
I wanted one to use, not to preserve!
That was such a surprise. It was much like driving into downtown Atlanta and seeing the First Baptist Church painted purple. Part of me must be purist. I can get used to a pretty purple Featherweight - but you stay away from my Yorkie, okay? Polly
I love the visual of 1st Baptist painted purple - did you ever see the picture of the house in Avondale Estates that the guy painted lime green with HUGE purple dots as a protest against some ruling of the homeowner's association? That was at least 5 years ago, that's when I left Atlanta.
Can I at least put a purple bow in her hair and paint her toenails?
DH just came through and said it looked liked a 1970 Dodge. Amazing the trivia stored in that man's head. And yes. You can put a purple bow in Yogi's hair so long as you rub the belly and hand over a treat. Bacon would be good. Polly
I love the visual of 1st Baptist painted purple - did you ever see the picture of the house in Avondale Estates that the guy painted lime green with HUGE purple dots as a protest against some ruling of the homeowner's association? That was at least 5 years ago, that's when I left Atlanta.
Can I at least put a purple bow in her hair and paint her toenails?
Oh man! I LOVE the color! What a great choice and congrats all around.
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.
Wow, Tina! You're right -- it's really *purple*! I've only seen a couple of painted FWs in person, and they're really fun. Enjoy your new toy!
I agree with you, Tina. I wouldn't repaint my current FW, as it's in fine condition as it is. But if it were pretty crummy (cosmetically speaking), I'd love one in purple or sapphire blue. :)
Oooooooooh! I love it, love it, love it! As for the 1st Baptist painted purple -- I might be persuaded to be a Baptist again if that happened. ;)
Sunny
It's gorgeous!
Nann
I got to sew a little bit on it last night (I don't want to use it much until I get some sewing machine oil) and I can finally understand why people are so attached to these machines.
I've had Bernina's before, and thought they made a perfect straight stitch, but this FW just blows them away. The stitch is tight, the tension is perfect, it is wicked fast, and it sews so STRAIGHT. That narrow feed dog really, really makes a difference. I got a Little Foot for it, and the practice seams I made were just so ridiculously perfect.
Here's a word from Bill, the man who painted the machine:
I forgot to mention that I have a website www.vintage-sewing -repair- wizard.com where I have some pictures, email address and some tips (mostly on the Pfaff 130 machine - my personal favorite). I charge $250.00 to paint AND service the machine. If I supply the machine, the additional charge is only what I pay for the machine (sometimes I can get a hull and buy parts to put it back to 1st class operating condition). Other times I am able to get a reasonable deal on a machine. It is difficult to get one on ebay for less than $200.00.
If you want his contact info, it is on his website.
On Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:01:48 -0500, TinaR wrote (in article ):
It is pretty. I love that purple!
Maureen
That's just as cute as a pink bellied pup. :)
Val
Val, there is nothing cuter than a pink bellied pup - unless it's a mess of pink bellied pups!
Tina: Last month, at MAQF, I bought a 1/4" foot with a guide (like a rudder) on the side. It is FANTASTIC! I paid about $25.00 and it was worth every penny. I had purchased a similar foot for Pfilomina Pfaff, at the recommendation of one of our RCTQ gang (probably Jennell,) so I knew it was a good thing. I also recommend the reprinted manuals by Nancy Johnson Srebro, as they contain lots of good information in addition to the basic manual. NAYY.
Good luck with your lovely new FW, PAT in VA/USA
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