Sewing machines

I bought a new little Singer Featherweight to take out to workshops, etc. as it is so much lighter than my other machines. Have just spent a fruitless hour trying to get it to free motion sew; I have just cleaned and oiled it, replaced the foot, and am wondering whether to give it another go or give up (again). Am trying to do a book cover, which I would very much like to finish for our exhibition in November. At the rate I am going this is definitely not very likely! Maybe I should give in and use the machine I know will work.