I was thinking along the same lines with my piecing; then one day last week I got in the mood to use another machine and put my FW aside for a 301 for piecing a quilt I am working on for my GGD. That slant needle sure is nice, the 1/4" is good, the weight is great and doesn't walk so much on the table I am currently using. The only thing might be the weight--it is heavier than the FW if I should suddenly decide to pack it up to take out with me. I'll see.....