A 301 or a 301A are great machines. They purr quietly while you work and I have made 8 quilts on them over the past year (just started quilting last year) and they are easy to take care of. I got 301 at a local garage sale and the 301A on ebay. Paid $20.00 for the 301 and $129.00 for the 301A. I also have a featherweight and she is nice also.