Geri B - you win! I was away for the weekend which was good as it recharged my mind! I came back and looked it over and sure enough I gad inserted the bobbin case just a bit off and screwed down the plate so it wouldn't move. I fixed it and also figured that I need to hold the threads when I first start as that has been a clumping problem too...that made a difference. Thanks for all the advice. I am so glad I joined this board. Helpful people that are non-judgmental.