Hate to tell you Dforesee - was at Joanns the other day - there was a woman returning a machine she just bought there. The manager said to the sales clerk "You're going to have to give her a refund - even though it's been too long, because we're having a lot of problems with these machines." I recommend you continue to persue a refund. I believe it was a Singer Simple machine as well. She also bought it to take to class and hadn't gone to any, so only just tried it and same complaint. Go higher up in Joanns management. Our store is in Spring, Tx. Go on line as well and put it out there. I think they got a bunch of lemons or one part in them is wrong. Whatever it is, you're not alone. Hope this helps. But, don't keep a machine that doesn't work. Try brother if Joanns won't help. I think they would want to know - Joanns isn't helping you.