I have an original black Singer Featherweight from 1951. Still have all of the original accessories (plus some Fashion Aids), but opted for a new case, foot controller and an LED bulb. Love to sew on this machine.

Several of the ladies who meet weekly to make quilts for QOV sew on Pfaff Passport 2.0/3.0 machines. This must be the the new trend in the group as everyone was sporting  Janome 3160QDCs some 5 years ago.

The modern Featherweight C240 is a Pfaff Passport 2.0 in disguise.

I am currently testing out a C240.

As a prior Pfaff owner, I do appreciate the built-in walking foot (IDT/IEF system), stitch quality/selection and overall feel of the Singer branded version. We use the modern curvy Fashionmate sewing machines in our weekly sewing club at school and they perform well.  It looks like the C240 might be built at the same factory.

What I do not like:
* Design is such that machine tilts at an odd angle when carrying it by the handle.
* Default stitch width and stitch length is not automatically displayed in LED window. You must press another button 1-2x to see all the info.
* Prefer a slider versus the touch pad to adjust sewing speed.
* 1/4″ foot and open toe feet do not come with the machine.

I also wonder how well the touch pad control is going hold up over the long term.  Our laminators at school have a similar control and it seems we replace sensors under the touch pad on an annual basis. Wonder how much this costs to repair?

I’m intrigued by the machine because it does have a built-in walking foot that comes in so handy with piecing and garment sewing. Pfaffs generally sew beautiful decorative stitches and this one is no exception. The work area is well lit – much better than my Janome M7200 WITH the Bendable Bright Lite.

Will it become a permanent member of my sewing machine collection?  Don’t know. I have until May 1st to figure that out.

Update:  6/25/18
This machine is GREAT for piecing blocks, garment sewing and basic walking-foot quilting, including a gorgeous long, curvy line stitch.  It is not so wonderful at FMQ. It could just be me, but I really prefer the adjustable FMQ foot that fits my Janome.  The Pfaff FMQ foot that fits this machine puts too much pressure on the work, requiring more effort to move the quilt. Yes, I used a Supreme Slider and loosened the foot pressure dial until it was a loose as it could go.  Leah Day mentioned something about modifying the free motion foot.  I’ll take a look at that.

What looks like an ordinary piece of crochet work to you represents something entirely different for me:

PERSEVERANCE

You see, I have tried for YEARS to learn how to crochet.  I took a Craftsy class, got books from the library, had private lessons at not one – but two – different yarn shops, even had a coworker try to show me the basics of crochet (and we’re still friends) – but I just couldn’t seem to get it.

So this week I have been home – as in knocked flat on my back sick – with the flu. I even had a flu shot which makes matters worse!  Until my fever broke, sleeping at night didn’t happen.  So, I started mindlessly watching YouTube videos on crochet of all things.  The second night, the light bulb went off – I’d been making things harder than I needed to.

I unearthed a large crochet hook and a some yarn in my craft room and started following along. The first few attempts were as normal – not worth keeping, but the more I began to get it, the stitches became more uniform and I found my rhythm. The way I hold yarn in my left hand wouldn’t pass muster with the crochet police (related to the quilt police), but I’m good with that.  I felt confident enough to tackle a small mug rug and am finishing up that project now.

So, this uneven, wavy piece of crochet work will be pinned to the inspiration board in my studio as a visual reminder that perseverance does pay off in the end.

Despite getting my flu shot and dutifully washing my hands every time I turn around, I still managed to come down with the flu. I’ve been to the doctor twice in 3 days!

After my less than stellar experience with a local primary care doctor, I am loathe to set foot in any medical establishment. You do realize I have to be practically on my deathbed to go to the doctor?

While grateful for my insurance coverage and the access to medical care, I sincerely hope the past week is not a indicator of what 2018 has in store for me!

May 2018 be your healthiest yet!