I'm back!!! I can't even begin to thank all of you who offered help and advise. I have learned SO MUCH through this process. Watching videos, reading threads ... I probably will never thread baste another quilt. It is so easy to spray baste it. Now, about my stitching issues ... I took EVERYONE's advise ... changed needles, changed thread, changed bobbin, changed bobbin holder (!!), adjusted tensions, made practice sandwiches, made 3 more practice sandwiches, re-threaded machine, prayed some more ... FINALLY FINALLY, I've got it!! My stitches are looking great ... FMQing is going great ... looking good! Ya'll are the best! I'll show you pix when I'm done! :)