thank you Peggi! (i'm sorry, i just can't call someone peckish...)
i have to admit this...i am terrified of changing that bobbin tension <grin>. but I will! today i'm stopping by joanne's to buy some cheap muslin to practice more on, and i am going to try "floating" the batting and the top on the frame. Will also change the bobbin tension at that point as well....
and i'm on the hunt for a reasonably priced 201....