This is the first sewing machine I ever used—a 1951 Singer Featherweight. Just like the name suggests, it’s tiny, light (only 11 pounds!), and folds neatly into a petite black suitcase.
It belonged to my Grandma Nancy and was also the same machine my mom used to sew her prom dress—which my grandma later wore again as Mother of the Bride at my parents’ wedding. 👰🏻
This machine holds more than stitches—it holds a legacy. And in a twist I didn’t see coming, it’s also the one that reignited my love of restoring vintage sewing machines.
2020: The Year Everything Went Sideways
When I moved back to Seattle during the height of the pandemic, my world felt like it was unraveling at the seams. I wrote about that journey here in Leaving New York and in this post about moving my entire life and business cross-country during lockdown.
Shortly after landing, my main industrial sewing machine broke down—and I was stuck. Buying a new one wasn’t in the cards, and for the first time in a long time, I had no idea how I was going to keep up production.
That’s when my mom offered me my grandma’s Featherweight as a backup. I knew it wasn’t powerful enough to handle all my bag-making materials, but it could still sew labels, finish linings, and do the delicate work I needed in a pinch.
So I brought it home, cleaned it up, and started researching.
The First (Accidental) Restoration
Her wiring was brittle. The motor was tired. But something about that little machine felt hopeful.
I found the wonderful community at @featherweightshop, joined a Facebook group for vintage sewing machine nerds (my people!), and discovered a goldmine of YouTube tutorials.
Restoring her felt like solving a 3D puzzle with history and heart. It was oddly therapeutic—and totally addictive.
Since then, I’ve restored dozens of machines, from domestic classics to industrial powerhouses. You’ll spot them in my studio and in your bags—the true double-needle machine I use for making straps, the vintage serger that hums like a dream, and now… a new trio of Featherweights.
Meet the Machines
Right now, I have three restored Featherweights in my studio, ready to find new homes:
🖤 A classic black beauty, full of shine and stories
🔔 A rare “school bell” edition with a soft whirr and timeless charm
🤍 A white Featherweight with elegant simplicity and subtle quirks
These aren’t just machines—they’re miniature marvels. Quietly powerful, beautifully built, and endlessly inspiring.
What Started as a Stopgap Became a Passion
I never meant to become a sewing machine restorer. I just needed a backup. But now, vintage machines are woven into the fabric of what I do—part art, part utility, and all love.
And yes… I’ve named a few. (Shouldn’t every machine that’s stitched together generations of creativity have a name?)
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a Featherweight—or you’re just curious about the legacy behind the machine—I’d love to connect. These three are restored, tuned up, and looking for someone new to sew with. 🖤.
📍 Local pickup only (Seattle area)
Interested? Check out my FB marketplace profile to learn more, or reach out DM me on Instagram or reach out through my website to meet the machines in person.
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