Bob Harrison has been finding and repairing antique Singer Featherweights (Singer Models 221, 222) since 1999 after finding one for his wife Pat. Since that initial introduction to Featherweights Bob has expanded from simple repairs to complete overhauls of these diminutive dynamos. Bob is a retired mechanical engineer and a graduate of Featherweight University and enjoys finding out what is wrong with the beautifully engineered Featherweights and getting them running along smoothly again. Bob sells and repairs Featherweights at quilt shows in New England and in his workshop in Rhode Island. He typically has 12-25 Featherweights in stock that he has completely overhauled and that are ready for sale.
Singer Featherweights are a small, lightweight (11 lb. 4 oz.), straight stitch machine made by the Singer Sewing Machine Company between the years of 1933 and 1961. They were manufactured in a number of colors; black, tan, and a greenish white. They are popular with quilters due to their light weight, superior stitch quality, and durability. Featherweights are also a super machine to have in your home for simple mending and repairs. The most desirable is the Featherweight Freearm model 222K.
Bob repairs Singer 301s, which are the Featherweight’s “Big Sister”. A 301is a portable full size slant-needle machine with the capability of lowering the feed dogs for free motion quilting. The 301 is very strong and durable with more power and speed than the Featherweight and weighs about 3 pounds more.
Another great machine Bob works on and sells is the Singer 201, reputably the best machine Singer ever made. The 201 is another straight stitch machine that has a direct drive motor. The 201 is a fairly heavy machine and is not considered a portable.
Bob also repairs a variety of older Singers, both treadle machines and electric. In addition, Bob stocks replacement parts for all the Singers he repairs as well as some accessories such as button hole and zig zag attachments, ¼” Little Foot™, walking feet, bobbins, belts, motors, foot controls, Featherweight “card” tables, and extended bed tables, as well as reproduction machine cases, case latches, and handles.
Contact Bob by phone at (401)269-9122 or email: HFranklin32@verizon.net
Bob's show display