Originaly, sewing machines did not go backwards. You have to manually "back up" over your stitches this way: Stop sewing when you get to the end, but use the wheel to make sure that the needle is still through the fabric, holding it in place. Then lift the lever to raise the pressure foot that holds the fabric down. Twirl your fabric around 180 degrees, so that your line of stitches is now on the other side of the needle. Lower the pressure foot and sew back over your stitching again. Do the whole procedure again a time or two, just to be sure. Oh - don't cut the threads until you have sewed over the stitches. I would bet it was a hundred years or more that people had to do that with their sewing. It is easy, once you get used to it. I came across this thread by accident during a search and was shocked that no one had posted this! Am I the only old person out there?

You may find classes at Joann Fabrics and you will certainly find books. Before you spend money on books go to the library and spend some time reading. If I were limited to just one sewing book (I have at least 100) it would be the Reader's Digest Sewing Book. Mine is from the '70's, it's full of good info and techniques. Are there any small facric shops in your area? That's where I would look for lessons. What kinds of things are you interested in making? Home Dec, clothing for adults or children. Kids toys, dog toys or clothes. Spend an afternoon at Joann's looking though the pattern books. I have a problem with buying a sewing machine from Sears or any other department store...Who is going to fix it or answer any questions you might have?...because the local sewing machine store isn't going to want to fix that Kenmore (Janome). Just my 2cents. Good luck and happy sewing. It's something I started to learn in Jr High and continue to take classes 40 years later.

Hi There Lazygardens, I ended up taking it to our not so local repairman, I had never used him before, but because he was a long standing Singer dealer, and sounded so good on the phone I decided to at least to present the machine, and see what he had to say. I immediately noticed his walls and entire shop had Featherweights and more. After explaining everything to him, he ask me if I put the needle in right. I chuckled and said yes, it won't be that simple. So he says "in cases like this I can repair it now, on the spot for $30.00" I said "go for it, with a huge smile. It took him about 15 minutes though...and he also addressed the tension. So after I ask him "was it the timing? He said yes it was. So I had troubleshot it correctly, and learned a little by just watching him. What a guy. His repair shop was wide open to whomever came in. It was like a page in time warp going in there. Just wanted to let you know how it turned out. I am so pleased. The thrift shop Manager had told me before I had taken it in, to just see if I could get even $100.00 for it. I just was not ready to give up on it, I may have to eat the $30.00 repair bill, as i did not get a go ahead, but thats OK because MCC does alot of good work around the world and locally. I just can't tell you how good it feels to "get er done". Someone will love this machine. I don't know about all the white featherweights but I do know this one is impossible to trace the serial No. with any accuracy, and it does not have gears, it is belt driven. So I have at least learned something. It doe's not have the mechanical solidness of others in the featherweight class. However pretty it is, it is just a collector item. I would not recommend it for a quilter or serious sewer. Ginger

southernstitcher, I wont tell anyone over on patternreview that you got rid of your featherweight. Your right, you might actually be banned ;-) I spent a total of $400 on my 6460 to guy and have it rebuilt and oiled. It was $175 for the machine and another $225 for the rebuild. The guy I go to is a five star Viking certified repair person. He has been doing this since this machine was first made. My figuring is that you can't buy a new plasticky machine for that price that can do what this one can. I got my few decorative stitches I wanted, plus buttonholes, and I also figure it will easily last another 30 years. It was the most I have ever spent on a machine, but after sewing for as many years as I have been and as much as I do, it was overdue. You are right about the old Singers though. I did leave them off my list of must buy vintage. I am soured on Singers for some reason. I was handed down a "newer" 90's Singer, and at one point it was my only machine. I also had an opportunity to sew on a new Singer. I have no more respect for Singer. Sorry. But I have owned an old Steel vintage Singer. I forget the model. One I picked up for $25 at a junk shop. My first machine ever. It was great. I made every curtain for my first apartment. I also made slipcovers for a junkie old couch. Everything was great till the foot pedal caught fire. Now that I know more about machines, I would have kept the machine and found a new pedal. Back then I junked the machine when I moved, it was really really heavy and I was moving. The old Singers are great, the new ones I wouldn't take if you paid me.