I have a Lizzie and I had the same problems to start with, keep calling the shop where you got it. Don't give up! Don't letup you have a 5 year warrenty on parts ( at least mine does) and if it is a lemon the company should fix or replace it. That being said for the first year I had mine I was calling the shop or the company so much they knew my voice. LOL Some of my problems were operator error, and some were the machine. Through it all they were all very helpful and supportive. At one point Pam from the shop where I got the machine even gave me her cell phone number so I could call her while she was on vacation. Now I must say I love my Lizzie! Some times I still have problems with thread if I try to sneek in a type she doesn't like. Make sure she is well oiled and all her moving parts are lint free. Don't give up on her, once you two click there will be no stopping you!