Welcome Caroline, from Mississippi,USA,I had a friend that went to Tasmaina on Vacation and brought me some fabric from "Grandma's Craft Shoppe" @ 16 Wilmot Road, Huonville, Tasmania. Are you familar with this shop? The fabric is beautiful 100% cotton. On your machine problem, have you checked the tension and also the bobbin case might have a rough place on it. Hope you enjoy the forum.