Would this product help?
http://www.graceframe.com/site/compo...7-speeecontrol
I have one for my Janome 1600. Works like a dream, well worth the $$$. It straps onto my handle bars and I can control it with my thumb while my fingers move the machine. Like you I tried to chase the foot peddle all over. I tried staching the foot peddle under my arm, but as I remember that didn't work out too well either.