Thanks so much everyone for the replies. I used a can of air and so far (knock on wood) it is working.
Thanks again.

My good vibes worked for you ccbear66. I'm lost without my machine. The old Singer won't sew a straight line! I think I'm spoiled. Ya'll send me good, machine-fixing vibes, okay? Thanks!

good vibes are on the way. I really hope that you get yours working soon. I know that I'd be totally lost without a machine.

Have you tried How to mend it .com ? You can write a summary of your problem and they email you back . Fixed the problem with my singer . Annie

when my machine would not quit sewing, it was the circuit board. They put a new one in for free. Those boards are usually guaranteed for 5 years.