I've had some that were marked by cats, too. I'm guessing that my machine was stored in a shed near a mower and someone cleaned out the mower or it was near the door when the mower went past? No clue - not mouse droppings - just grass clippings. GC is a first for me. I can't remember where that machine came from. What I do know is it was a bugger but it sews now. Makes a real nice stitch. LOL Seems like a straight stitch machine can most likely be made to work if all the parts are there.