mine is a 301A (LB/OW) the slant needle is awsome, so much easier on the neck and eyes. the four extra pounds keep the machine from sliding around on workshop tables, especially if quilting rather than piecing. It does free-motion quilt and with the buttonhole attachment makes the most perfect buttonholes of any machine, yes even better than my BERNINA 1630. That said, if i ever "win the lottery" i would find a 221 or 222 because they are so cute and a treadle because that is what i first sewed with when i was three.