thanks for the advice but it is only skipping in the basic straight stitch which is what I use all the time. it isn't skipping in any other stitch.
It also doesn't skip if I use paper instead of fabric. It only skips when i try to sew fabric. and the only stitch that skips is the straight stitch. That is what I've used since I got it. Why it has started skipping is beyond me.
It's done this off and on for a few months. It will be just fine for awhile and then it starts in again and wont' quit. then it stops and is fine again for awhile.