Thanks for all your suggestions! After finishing my purse, then making another jeans bag, I found there were a couple of not-quite-right problems. A couple times the thread cutter didnt cut properly, and it sounds just a bit off, but not enough to prevent me from using it. So, I just ordered from Amazon a Brother XL26001 basic machine for $72.49 with free shipping as a spare. It has 25 stitches and needle threader, free arm, and a few other essentials. It was sure the right price! Once it comes, I will take in my Brother PC420 for servicing. This hopefully this new one will work with my extension table and allow me to sew through thick seams when making purses. The thought of NOT sewing for even a few days doesn't appeal to me!! At least DH got me up and running so I could finish those bags for Xmas!