GGal ... thanks ... it's nice to know that someone else can truly relate! Like you, I knew that when it was skipping other than on the seams, it was something more than just needing a sharper needle. I've seen it mentioned about the dental floss and tension wheels too ... but honestly, I do not understand where that would be? I don't cover my machine either. The tech is always saying I should vacuum it, for a good cleaning, but til I find a used vacuum to keep under the corner of my sewing table, that isn't going to happen!