I wouldn't be without my 301. The slant needle makes the sewing area so visible for me. And she runs fast!
I found a second 301 at the estate sale of the Singer repairman. It was stored among other machines in a shed. Here is west Texas, that means dirt. Luckily the dirt is only on the case. The machine itself was clean. All I had to do is oil it and change the needle for wonderful sewing. I did replace the worn power cord and dried up tire.
The family of 3 girls who live next door are moving next week. We have been doing sewing projects on my first
301 for months, and I plan to give them this next 301 to take with them. The oldest girl (age 10) has taken an interest in the workings of the machine, so I think she is ready for the responsibility. I have a Kenmore which would zigzag for them, but I think that a child would be a lot less likely to be seriously hurt by a 301 if it fell off the table than by a heavier machine. Ha!
Dayle