Wow! Thank you all so much for your quick responses! My husband said the same thing about taking the machine back to be re-serviced; I know I should, but I feel like I'm causing trouble...
As for choosing a new machine, I'm probably not any less overwhelmed. The local JoAnn's has an independent Husqvarna-Viking dealer located inside of it, but I have not read many favorable reviews about the company's current entry level machines. There is also a local quilt shop that I haven't yet visited (my girldfriend who is teaching me warned me about all of the beautiful fabrics that i was going to fall in love w/and I thought maybe I shoud avoid it for a bit) but maybe I should head there too? Anybody have any thoughts?