i apologize in advance for the rant, its been a helluva day.

so...i got the brother CE4000 a little over 2 years ago, and its been working wonderfully, and i really like it

until i started sewing a lot, this summer.

its has jammed up at least 4 times, causing the bobbin casing to become misaligned, and the most recent time (TODAY, in the middle of putting together a quilt top, none the less) the needle is now hitting the throatplate. not good.

there isnt much of anything by way of useful, helpful information in the user manual about this, and after fiddling with it for a bit, i realistically have no idea what the machine has done to itself. i'm also leaving for college in about a week, and was really hoping to get this quilt top done, as im not planning on taking my machine to college with me.

</rant>

if anyone has either a)any suggestions on how to fix this (worst case ill be taking it to be serviced when i come home on winter break) or b)a suggestion of a reasonably affordable (less than $200) machine that has the same functions as this machine (computerized, 40+ stitches, top load bobbin), both would be quite helpful.

if i cant fix this, and the local shop cant service it and fix it for less than the cost of the machine (it was only $120) ill be shopping for a new machine...again.

-Ari

Did you replace the needle? I have had the needle hit the throatplate when the needle was bent. It wasn't easy to see, either, until I removed the needle.

Have you checked under the feed dogs for lint buildup?

In terms of an inexpensive new machine, I would check out Kenmores at Sears. Why do you want a top loading bobbin?

i went and pulled out the needle...indeed bent, just enough to stop working, and just not enough for my poor eyes to see.

the top loading thing is just a feature i like on the brother...and my next machine irregardless will be a kenmore...my boy-thing's grandmother gifted her vintage one to us, works like a charm...when i use it (he apparently doesnt have "the touch")

time to re-adjust and clean...and maybe finish this tonight...as now i get to deal with other much more grave bad news.

nothing some knitting/spinning/quilting wont get me through.