I had a simular problem with my machine. I thought I was so good about cleaning my machine. I always took out the plate and the bobin, and cleaned that area. I never thought to turn over the machine, unscrew the bottom and clean it out. You can imagine the dust bunny I found in it. Unfortunately I still had to send it out for service. It runs fine now and I clean it more often and more thourougly and oil it too!