[QUOTE=julia58;1089617]I have a 401a and love it, I was lucky enough to find it at a thrift store in Fl. all the attachments, manual, buttonhole attachment, I haven't used my other machine since. I just read that the feed dogs can't be lowered, so I guess free motion is out with this machine, unless someone knows of another way. I love mine, and wish you many happy hours with yours.[/QUOTe
the thread plate actually raises up a little so the dog feed does not touch the material. That allows for free motion quilting. To raise the plate it is the little lever on the base that has a plate that says unlock, raise, lower.