Thanks to all who replied. I suppose it is as my loving son-in-law said - "Mom with as much as you paid for that machine, it has to be user error, go and take your free lessons". I have very little time to sew with work and home, I have had my machine for 10 months and have yet to take a lesson. I will check into what a vertical alignment foot is and also the 1/4 foot. I think it did come with a second plate.