Christy and Mark you were right. the belt is slipping. I had to finish up another project (montgomery wards) before I would let myself even look at my necchi. some moisture has gotten in and things are stiff and some has a bit of rust. it is now soaking in some triflow. this machine does everything but blow my nose for me with no electronics. it will take me some time to get it all cleaned up. I will let you know how my little lavendar flower is doing. I am sooo happy that it is a slipping belt. whewwwww