David McCallum, bestselling author of The Featherweight 221 and I, is an "artist turned quilter" whose photo-realistic drawings have won numerous awards throughout his native Pacific Northwest. Because he is partially colorblind, Dave works in black and white, using both graphite, and pen and ink. He found the handling and use of color baffling.... until now, that is.
While attending quilt shows with his wife, Sharon, Dave was made aware of quilting as an art form. He discovered that he could discern colors in fabrics that eluded him in his artwork, and he soon became an avid quilter.
Dave's fascination with sewing machines led him into yet another creative adventure - restoring and maintaining these classic machines. While restoring his mother's treadle, he bought his first Singer Featherweight, and thus began a love affair with the sewing machine that is so cherished by quilters throughout the world.
Quickly however, Dave became frustrated with the lack of information available on the subject of restoration for antique sewing machines. What little he did find was scattered, very cryptic, and lacking in details. As he researched, he developed classes designed to teach others how to maintain and restore their own machines. The information he gathered far exceeded class handouts, and ultimately inspired the creation of his book, The Featherweight 221 and I.
Retiring after 39 years in the workforce, Dave now devotes more time to quilting, teaching, and traveling. In the past, he operated a limited repair service for vintage sewing machines, but prefers instructing people on the care and maintenance of their own machines. Dave offers workshops on the subject, as well as providing lectures and programs to interested groups.