origamigoldfish

Hi all, I am attempting to practice my free motion quilting, but ran into a problem with dropping my feed dogs. The manual on my machine says it can be done by turning the stitch length dial, but the wheel won't turn that far. It goes all the way around in either direction, but stops just before the setting I need to drop my feed dogs. I have tried to gently force it, but don't want to break my machine!

I use an older machine that belonged to my grandmother, a Dressmaker 8102FA. It has been an awesome little machine over the years, and takes everything I have thrown at it so far. There is a phone number on the manual, which google tells me belongs to Nelco Sewing Machine Sales. no website or anything to show that they are still in business...this machine may be as old as i am, if not older.

What would be my best option from here on out? Repair shop? Forcing the knob? Sticking to straight line quilting? Has anyone else ever dealt with this kind or problem before?

thanks in advance!