When was the last time you took the needleplate off your 301?? Mine hasn't been more than a two months, but I did today when I was cleaning the machine getting ready to FMQ. Wow, I had a little catapillar hiding where a brush couldn't reach from top or bottom. I was surprised as I no longer use a certain brand of thread because of the lint. Just a reminder to check once in a while.
New needle, lightly oiled, delinted. I guess we're ready.