thanks - well this is the only time I've ever felt anything like this- almost like handling steel wool or insulation then wondering later why it feels like something is prickly on the fingers..I definitely felt it and it felt really weird. and probably very lucky I didn't get shocked like crazy- heck I was reaching under to take out the bobbin case and put it back in (Kenmore 117.740)it's pretty far under there and was havng to tilt the machine back-must've still had it unplugged then or surely I'd have felt it.