I've had my Kenmore since Mother's Day, 1978, I've always pulled the thread back through the tension disks. And I've always adjusted my bobbin, and I have an extra one too for speciality thread. CMC, I think the reason you feel a resistence on the thread is you may not have the pressure foot raised. In down position, there is more resistence. My Kenmore has served me so well over the years. A few years ago, I was making three flower girl dresses and a mother of the bride dresses for my Aunt. I got everything late, to help out, so I was running against a deadline. Everything was going pretty well when my Trusty Kenmore decided to mess up. Well, I couldn't figure out what was up with her, so I took the tension disks apart. Let me tell you, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, incase I didn't say it, NEVER take that thing apart. It comes alive and shoots all over the place, bouncing off every surface in sight. There is this spring in there that will pop out without warning knocking you between the eyes and then scoot across the floor and out of sight. If you're in the kitchen doing your sewing, that squirelly little thing will most definately head toward the stove or the fridge. and under there it'll go. After pulling the stove out, I finally found it. It took for ever to get it put back together. While I was making all those uncalled for repairs, there didn't seem to be any lint build up, But then again it probably was planted between my eyes where the spring hit.LOL My problem ended up being the bobbin tension. It was smooth sailing until I surged the center of one of the dresses cutting a giant hole across it. That's another story all by itself. Urban legends, hmmmm I wonder how many of them we swear by without even thinking about their validity. doris=^.^

Congrats!!!!!! I had a cheaper 1 stitch model for many, many, many years and since I was a hand quilter it suited my needs. I bought a Janome MC something around Christmas and I absolutely never knew what I was missing before!!!! Mine likes to be cleaned often and it likes the same thread in the bobbin as the top. I can easily deal with both of those!!! Rosa

First, I'm sorry this is so long, but there was so much to say. The only model suggestion I can make with any authority: Pfaff 1069. I have one of these that I bought 20 years ago, and I could not bear to trade it in. It is a sweet machine. Completely mechanical, no computer controls, original list price 20 years ago was $900; I got mine for $700. I have NEVER seen a used one for sale! Sewers love these machines. If you see one, snap it up and pay to have it serviced. There are a number ways to acquire a good used machine. Look for machines that have not been used much (gifts or abandoned hobbies), although theres probably no way to be sure how much the previous owner used the machine. Some used machines just need servicing: a good cleaning and tune up, which you can always get from your dealer after you buy any machine. Having to pay for servicing drives up the initial cost of your used machine. I suppose the cost varies depending on where you live, but I always expect to pay $60 to $80 for a thorough repair and service. Then again, I own some complex machines, so my estimates may be high. The advantage of buying a used machine from an independent dealer is that he has already done the cleaning and tune up and any needed adjustments and repairs as he was getting the machine ready for resale. Another place to check for refurbished sewing machines is your local vacuum and sewing repair shop. ThereÂs a vacuum shop near me where the owner is not a dealer of any new sewing machines, but he does sewing machine repair (and vacuum repair) and has an entire assortment of used machines, which he has fixed up for resale. Again, these are all "ready to go" when you buy them. (I lusted after the industrial Bernina for $500, but where would I put it and how could I explain it to my husband?) Look for the popular high-end brands: Pfaff, Bernina, Janome, Brother, Viking, Baby Lock  IÂm sure there are other good brands, but IÂd avoid Singer and Kenmore. I canÂt recommend specific models, but there does seem to be a sliding scale of features from low-end to high-end machines. This does not mean that a low-end machine is necessarily no good, only that it doesnÂt have as many features. Low-end machines tend to not have the ability to lower the feed dogs. However, they usually have a plastic cover for the feed dogs so you can do free motion work. Check that all the presser feet are with the machine. There should be a tool box or accessory box with some presser feet and other tools. Having an instruction book is a big plus, but those are often separated from the machine. This is where it pays to do your homework by looking at new machines at your dealer and noting how each model moving up the price scale adds more features and what those features are. Some features to pay attention to: Adjustable needle position  left, right, center or (on high-end machines) multiple adjustments points, left to right. Button holes: they tend to be easier to do or more automatic as you move up the price scale. Also, different types of button holes. For instance, you usually donÂt see a keyhole button hole on a low-end machine. Specialty straight and zig zag stitches: a hem stitch, variations on zig zag stitches, a triple stitch zig zag, an edge joining stitch. This is not a complete list, but look for some variations. Knit stitches, a straight knit stitch and a selection of knit overlock stitches. Knit hem stitch. Doing knit stitches requires the machine to sew forward and backward in the stitch pattern, and some low-end machines donÂt have any knit stitches. Decorative stitches. The more decorative stitches there are, probably the higher up the model ladder. However, my experience is that you can get by with no decorative stitches at all. I think they are a sales feature "This machine does 125 different stitches!!" but they really arenÂt all that useful unless you have some specific need. Good Hunting!! CMC

And how nice a machine is that! You did a great job researching and deciding what would work best for you and your sewing needs. Your dealer sounds like a perfect match and will be a great resource for you. Ah I should warn you once you awake your creative side a monster will appear and there will be nothing stopping you! You will have some problems and things won't always turn out PERFECT but with everything you make you will be adding to your store of sewing knowledge. Good luck on your journey, be patient, start small, learn your machine and have FUN ....... you will be expert in no time. Budster