VickyS Thanks for the tips. My thread is all new thread. I usually use a 14 needle and I just bought these. That's not to say that I can't have a bad new needle. I will switch it out again. I try to keep the speed of my machine about the same as when I sew regularly. It seems happier at that speed. LOL! I can relate to the wanting to scream days! I just have to step away from it for a while. I will definitely keep practicing and if I ever master it so I can finish my wallhanging, I will post it. Sue