The 300 series and the 400 series of Singers are gems. The stitch is like no other. My mom has the 301 and I have the 404. Both are straight stitchers but still work like champs. My mom's machine was bought in the mid fifties and mine was bought in 1963. I've had( and still have) other machines but these machines make the prettiest stitch and are very rugged. I know you will be doing some gorgeous stitching on your new baby.