Every time I read a post like this I really wish I lived near the person so that I could help them figure things out. My dear friend told me she had a old sewing machine that belonged to her mother and that it's broken but she doesn't know what is wrong with it so I took a look and it is an absolutely beautiful vintage Kenmore. I got it sewing it's in perfect condition even the manual looks brand new. I hope you are able to get things figured out.