Thanks for checking on me! I got the tension to an acceptable quality, mostly by adjusting and readjusting and on and on until I was satisfied. I removed the bobbin case on the 99 and cleaned that area. I used dental floss on the tensions. I even adjusted the presser foot pressure, which was high on the 99. Just a lot of trial and error. Then I had an epiphany -- I really like my Kenmores better than any of my Singers. I wonder if it's like Coke vs. Pepsi. Most people like one more than the other, maybe. I'm a Coke/Kenmore girl for sure.