Melissa my DD bought me one of these same machines last year. I used it less than 3 months when the tension goofed up on me too. I couldn't get it to work at all. I tried and tried. She bought it off of eBay so no way to return it. It was less than $125 and my repair guy wanted $79 to check it out? So I didn't figure it was worth it. I went to Joann's and bought a little singer that was on sale for $85 and it's been chuggin right along for the past 11 months. It's not a fancy machine but it sews great. Sorry this happened to you. Someone else was complaining about the same machine on here a few months ago. I think they are just overpriced machines. I can't tell you what to do but I'd find a sewing machine shop that will accept it as a trade in and get a new machine. Good Luck...crafty_linda_b