My SIL bought me a 201, and it had the same thing, a rag wrapped around the head full of pins. When I removed it, the paint was gone from being scratched by all the pins. Must have been the thing to do back then? Love the 201, even my DH thought it was a nice machine. Sews quietly and strongly. I used it to bind SIL and DD's quilt I made them. Just bought a 99 Crinkle on EBay, can't wait to see that one. All my kids tell me I have a problem. I told them I didn't. And the saga continues.....