Having had my 201 since I was 10, now 70 I cherish it. It was born in 1946. Still runs like the Rolls Royce that it is. The wheel is so balanced I barely have to touch it to turn it forward. So quiet. Great for piecing. You can drop the feed dogs if you flip the head back and follow the directions in the manual as to how to it. I have an FW222, equally well made, 1960 however my 201 is still my first love. Just give it good care and maintenance. I once sewed 4 layers of soft leather and made bound button holes of leather for a coat-dress I made my mother years ago.