Cre8 you have my sympathy. Sewing machines can be a joy and they can also send you around the bend with aggrevation. I lived near Hollywood, FL for years and I had the best service man. He could give me 1 day service in an emergency. I bought a Viking and I liked the machine but the service was terrible. I now have 2 Janomes and my LQS services them because I bought them from her. I've always heard good things about Bernina. Maybe you got stuck with a lemon. I'm hoping you will be back in business real soon.