DH and I repaired it!! Saved the day - to say nothing of a repair bill. We took off the underside cover and after some detective work, we found a small piece of lint in the gear on left side. We scrubbed with a cleaning brush and it didn't help but he removed it with a pin and my machine ("Marge", named for Aunt Marge who bought it new) is purring along now!!! Thanks to all for your assistance!