I just bought a Singer 201-3 billed as the best machine that Singer ever made. It is a 1947 model (had to get it re-wired as the cords were brittle) and for the first time ever I stitched through 2 layers of heavy duck cloth, four in some places and a quilted lining, putting in a new zipper in DH's coveralls. It didn't bunch, jam or break a needle!!!! There were no skipped stitches or refusals to sew over seam junctions (my Janome 6500 is famous for this)or veering off if there are more than 2 layers. It's quiet and it just stitched even perfect stitches with no complaints. Can you tell that I'm excited about this machine? Now I want to try piecing and quilting on it. The best part is that I was given this machine and the re-wire, clean and service was only $70. I think this one is a winner.