This is what started my obsession: a watermelon pink Brother Festival 471. I paid way too much for it and didn’t even notice that it didn’t have a belt until I got it home. On the plus side, it did come with a manual, and a bunch of attachments. I had been looking for a vintage sewing machine, and when I saw this on Craigslist, I had to have it. It came in a cabinet with several drawers. I took this one out of it, and put another sewing machine in the cabinet.
After I bought it, I took it to a repair person, who said that there were broken or cracked gears inside. She said that the gears were cheap, but getting to them was the problem. Basically, she couldn’t fix it. So, I was stuck with a pretty pink sewing machine to use as a decoration. Lesson learned: learn how to fix them myself, so that I can recognize potential problems in machines that catch my eye, and either avoid buying them, or fix them myself.
My Mother is convinced that I can fix this machine. No matter that the woman with 40 years of experience says she CAN’T fix it. It’s nice to have someone that thinks you can do anything. I will keep this machine. Who knows, maybe someday I CAN fix it. I think it’d be really neat to sew on such a cool looking machine.
I have one in working order and manual
Where can i find a for pedal for one of those??
I would try typing the model info and “foot pedal” or “pedal” into google and see what comes up. You may find one on ebay, or at an online sewing machine parts retailer.
This machine was also sold by Western Auto as their Wizard Citation sewing machine Model: 3KC-8838. I have the twin to yours (same pink color!) but with the Wizard branding. It was my grandmother’s sewing machine and I watched her sew on it constantly…and it began my fascination with sewing that led me into my career of being a costume designer. I absolutely love this machine! She used it for 40 years and it still runs well, though I’m having an issue with the foot pedal right now. I hope you can get yours fixed!
I have this exact machine, but somewhere I have lost the cord to run it…any ideas on how to order one…thanks Pen
That’s a good question! I did a quick search on Google, and nothing came up as to where to buy a cord. On both of my machines, there are two cords with plugs coming from the machine. One is for the motor, and the other is for the light. They both both plug into a box (outlet) that is attached to the foot controller. Then the cord from the foot control plugs into the wall. So, if yours is like mine, then it sounds like the foot control section with the attached outlet is the part that is missing. In that case, you should be able to find something online. Some are called a “two plug” foot control. Here’s a link to one that I found: https://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/FC-143_cord.php. I can’t guarantee that this one will fit yours, but it should give you an idea about what to look for. Here’s a cheaper one on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Control-Pedal-Light-motor-Fc-143/dp/B0038RLDXK.
I hope this helps!
I have this machine! I’ve searched online and it seems to not be very common, so happy to find your blog! It was my first machine, a thrift store find for $30 (with a vintage sewing table!) and started me on this crazy sewing adventure. Took it for a tuneup when I got it and although it works for the time being the technician said they are notorious for the gears cracking and being unfixable when that happens. Did you ever end up fixing it?
Also did yours have a variety of feet? Mine just had an all purpose one and I have gone on to buy a few zipper, invisible zipper, etc. and I would love to see what your feet look like, especially buttonhole!
Aren’t these machines pretty?
I haven’t attempted to fix this one yet. Maybe someday…
I was given another machine just like it and that one seems to be in better shape than my first one. I’ll probably end up using my original one for parts for the second one, if the need ever arises.
Both of them came with a bunch of attachments. One of these days I’ll post a picture of them.
So glad you found the blog!
I’ve been meaning to do this for a while, and your comment kind of made me get a start on it. I’ll be listing the manual for the pink Brother Festival on ebay soon, so keep an eye out for it. I’ll put the listing on the blog once it’s up. The manual is a really good one; there’s lots of information that would be really helpful for using the machine, and for a beginning sewer, as well. Enjoy your new machine! Don’t you just love the color of it?
Is there any way you could share the manual online? I just bought the same machine and I’m having a heck of a time finding any info… Being a beginner sewer, it’s tough to figure out what everything means!
noahbythesea,
I replied by email, but if you don’t get it, let me know. I’m not sure if it went through : )
could i ask how much this beauty cost you? i absolutely love the color!
Fred, I’ve been looking at this machine a lot lately, and I’m with you – the worst that can happen is that I tear it apart, and I’m really ok with that. I’ll keep you posted and let you know WHEN I’m successful!
You can totally fix it! I have found myself in a ton of these kinds of projects, worse case scenario if you take apart is that you learn a lot.
Toolie – Thanks so much. After I read your email, I was going to ask you if your daughter might be interested in it. Thanks for thinking of me!
Aren’t Mothers great? It’s why I keep you around, you know ; )
Of course you can fix it! I have every confidence in your ability.
Megan I have about five sewing machines here – may even still have my grandmother’s old one that you had to use the foot pedal somewhere. Most are pretty old. I have one that is in a cabinet that was my Mom’s when I was a kid. It is sitting downstairs collecting dust. I’ll get some pictures of it if you think it is something you may want. I doubt my daughter wants it and I sure am not going to use it.