I want to thank you all for your input. I got the machine yesterday. When I first sewed with it, the tension was off, but just using different thread and different material improved matters, and I adjusted the tension dial just a tad. Of course later, as I looked at the manual, I see it has automatic tension, but it's not set to that. More exploring to do!
The coolest thing? The first thing I sewed was two pieces of flannel with batting in between. It sewed so easily that I doubled it up and the machine still sailed right through. I can tell you my old machine would have choked and sputtered on that mouthful. I can't wait to get sewing!
Thanks for your encouragement!