About your top stitches: I do not think it is just you! They look like they are not lining up straight with each other. Instead, that are slightly angled, kind of on a slight diagonal, rather than straight as a ruler. I remember a friend of mine had this problem when she bought a new machine. At the moment I cannot remember what caused this (tension, timing?) but I could ask her if need be. Of course, you could ask your local guy about it, showing him your sample and maybe he will know. Maybe someone will come along with advice on how to correct it who knows way more than I. But I do get why you are questioning the look of those top stitches.