First, I apologize for pitching a hissy fit here on the board. Re-reading my initial post sounds like a two year old tantrum!
Thanks for your replies. Tammi, I think I will try a little fmq on this project my old machine for a comparison. It's just a pain to switch everything out and the Kenmore isn't set up for fmq with the necessary tables & all to support the quilt.
Ripped, isn't that a shame to have to go back to the old machine? I'm going to give this my best shot, but if I just can't get it right on the new machine, I think I'll trade for something with fewer bells & whistles; maybe just a straight stitch like a Juki.
Thanks for the encouragement, Maniac Quilter. If I ever get this project off the machine I think I'll go back to cotton thread for quilting, although I hear great things about Isacord. May have to try that one. I've loved the Bottom Line thread in the bobbin for piecing.