After another day of working, I got it pick up the thread. It looks like the part of the little slot that the bobbin thread snaps into is bent slightly. What would do that? Sewing stick on velcro that looked like sew on until it gummed up the needle and jammed the machine. Yikes! It's a wonder I didn't do more damage - just shows the quality of that machine. It will be okay until the bobbin runs out. I have a feeling changing bobbins is going to be an issue until I see if my repairman can straighten it. I'll have my son look at it the next time he in the state. He's stronger and more patient than I am.