I have a 18" tin lizzy FM machine....Got it last Feb. at Quilt Expo.....I have trouble with the tention everytime I use it...closest LQS that sells them is 2 1/2 hrs from me...i talked to company and they recomended King Tut thread...and it does work better with less problems....I love the machine...If you get King Tut thread check out Joanns on line only....They had the cheapest prices I 've found anywhere....not a big color selection but try it out...the biggest thing i've learned is that u have to adjust the top and bottom tention to work together.....pm me and let me know how you are coming along.....I really am interested !!!! Maybe we could help each other...