Hello, and welcome from Missouri! :lol:
I think it is a tension problem that is making the stitches too tight and curling them.
Where abouts in Central WI. I will be in Fox Lake sometime next week! I have family allover and will be trying to spend some time with each one, and it is a big task with all the different work schedules and all! Summertime is a busy time for families. :lol: