thx, i got a frame with it also. metal, came with the machine when she bought it. yes, i was using gutterman (sp) also. on my practice piece to learn how to quilt. i put it in the shop right away, and had the needle threader adjusted, and the quilting foot fixed. brought it home, and put it on the frame, and walla, breaking my thread. but i could go 4 or 5 ft before it broke. no owners manual, just a vcr tape, and a dvd disc of instructions. Do you have a stictch regulator with yours also? the quilt store who originally sold it to the prev. owner is trying to find me an owners manual.