Joeysnana

I have the needle down but not the knee lever. I took your advice and besides putting the threads towards the back, I held them while beginning to sew. I haven't had any more problems. Thanks!! I have always been a hand quilter and at the ripe old age of 57, I am finally making friends with my sewing machine!! So many projects, so little time. :)

retired2pa

I have 3 Brother machines and love them all! I have a new Brother that I bought strictly for straight sewing. It's fabulous!! It's so quiet and has a 9" arm...WOOHOO!! I didn't want another computerized machine so this is a manual (which is what I grew up sewing on) and I don't miss the computerized one's a bit. If you want to check it out it's the Nouvelle 1500S. Sews through quilts like butter :)

Joeysnana

I am going to check it out right now online. Thanks!

butterflywing

i don't have a brother now, but it's kind of surprising that there wouldn't be a single hole plate for doing fine work, like on silk or chiffon. have you talked to someone in person at a dealership?

Joeysnana

I emailed Brother. I don't live near a dealer.

Sadiemae

I also have this machine and love it. The needle up/down button I cannot use anymore, but from the yahoo group I have learned this is a common problem.

retired2pa

Sadiemae...I never use my needle up/down button or my knee lever. Like I said, I grew up using a manual machine so it's easy to remember to use the wheel to insert the needle in my fabric before I start sewing and also to use it when I'm done sewing to "release" the bobbin thread.