Euro-Pro Denim & Silk 38 7100

I got this sewing machine, my first, for Christmas 2003. I enrolled in a sewing for beginners class, did a project using fleece, and had many problems with the tension - went through a lot of needles. Shortly afterwards I sewed up a few pillows, and then my friend came over to use it on a very thin tulle. We could not get the tension right for her and the thread kept breaking. Now, 2 months later, I have taken a quilting for beginners class. Just simple cotton fabric, and I've already gone through 3 needles. I don't know what the deal is with this machine, but as soon as I can afford it I'm buying something else.