Our Featherweight Class

If you read the blog on Monday you know I took the day off to learn more about my Featherweight sewing machine.  My daughter Kayla and my friend Connie both went with me.  The class we went to was Nova Montgomery’s class.

It was a long weekend but loads of fun.  Friday Connie came in the late afternoon.  She was in time to meet the childcare kiddos.  Kelli ended up coming that evening.  The three of us sewing all day Saturday.  I got a project finished that I’ll be showing you soon.  Sunday we were up and off to Cedar Rapids.  Our granddaughter and grandson got baptized (more on that in another post too).  We had church and then went to Buck and Lora’s for a meal.  Then we loaded up. Kayla, Connie and me and made our way to Bettendorf, Iowa via thrift stores, Joann’s and Michael’s.

Once at the hotel…these two were busy crocheting.  Me.  I did NOTHING!!  It was fabulous.

While we were relaxing Connie made a bet.  She said someone at class would know who I was.  I laughed and said no way.  Kayla thought if she was there rather than Kelli someone would recognize me…or if we introduced ourselves, someone might recognize me.  I thought no on would….I said if they did, I’d buy lunch.

Once morning hit, we were off and running. Here are our Featherweights in tow.  Connie made these cute velcro handle covers so we could easily tell who’s machine was who’s.

We quick set up and class was underway.  It’s a fairly fast paced class lead by Nova Montgomery.  Find her website here.

We were each set up with our own machine and were put to task to clean, oil and lubricate the entire thing.  I can comfortably say that I don’t think I will ever have to take my machine in to a repair shop to be cleaned.  I feel as I can do a good job all on my own.  That was a great comfort.

We learned what to touch and what not to touch…that was a big one for me.  I was so intimidated by it all so I touched NOTHING!

The class is a powerpoint presentation LOADED with pictures.  Nova will have a slide on the screen of what our next task was.  She completely talked up through it with pictures to follow along.  It was do-able for most everyone.

My machine had been serviced by a repair shop in Decorah two month previous to this.  I hadn’t used it except for Saturday for part of the day when Connie was here so my machine was pretty clean.  I did run into a problem though.  The repair shop didn’t have a belt for it so they put an o-ring on it instead of a belt AND there was a thread jam in the the back behind the bobbin.  I spend at least a half hour dealing with that.  I am sure the jam was there before…UGH.  He didn’t clean it but I did!!  I don’t need to take my machine away for any of that anymore.  YAHOO!

Remember our little bet?   At the first break someone did recognize me.  This is Jennifer from Champagne, IL.  We both drove 3 hours-ish to get there.  She came from the east…me from the north.  She was so nice and pleasant.  I didn’t realize at the time but I might have come off a little rude at first.  She said “Hi Jo” and referenced the blog….and what did I say, “Dang it! I lost the bet”.    I don’t even think I said hello first.  UGH.  I think I redeemed myself later.  This is Jennifer….

She ended up getting some bad news about her machine.  It was a little hesitant and wasn’t working the best.  It last sounded like Nova would be giving the motor a little make over…ugh.  Poor Jennifer…and poor machine.  The gal next to me said she was needing Nova to look at her’s too….BUT most of us were so-so happy with out good sounding and smooth running machines.

Here’s a picture I snapped of Connie from across the room.  She was taking notes and working so hard.

Here’s Kayla with her table mates.

My little machine needed some help.  The place where I plug the machine in was cracked.  I bought the part and then at lunch Nova repaired the machine for free.

Sadly that wasn’t the only thing I had to replace….Some necessary, some optional.  I got a new foot pedal.  Mine had a frayed cord-that necessary.  I got a servicing card for my 301-not necessary but worth it.  Happily the two machines-the 301 and the Featherweight- have many similarities so I think I can take care of her now too.  I got a cone thread holder for the machine and an LED bulb….again not a necessity…but wanted.

Connie and I had a discussion before we came that we were going to try to not spend too much money there….well I blew that out of the water….and from the looks of what Connie’s holding she maybe did too.

If you were to go, plan on having at least $100 with to cover any extras you might need or want.  The gal sitting next to me (I didn’t know her) said, “So much for your $5 machine….she’s right.  I did spend a little money on her but she’s in tip top shape now.  (For those of you who don’t know Hubby bought my Featherweight for me for $5-Story on that here.)

In the end, we had a lot of fun and learned a lot too.  I do recommend the class if you are a Featherweight owner who would like to learn more about your machine.  Here is a link to see if Nova will be in your area.  Thanks for the road trip Connie and Kayla.  You were great travel mates!