Originally Posted by amandasgramma

Contrary to popular opinion, machinery (ie, sewing machines) have feelings. If you cuss them out, they get their feelings hurt, and hesitate to do anything right. If you talk sweetly to them, they purr like a kitten. You said you machine is 7 yrs old....that's 7 HUMAN years. In a machine, that's 56 yrs old....menopause. In this case, your machine will be contrary, opinionated and downright onery. Threatening it with the manual or replacement tends to straighten them out for a while. If it starts acting up again, offer it a drink......but don't be surprised if it spits at you................ just a thought.........good luck!