craftgrrl | RAAAAARRRRR stupid sewing machine!

Am I the only one whose sewing machine throws a tantrum when I have to sew though elastic? I have worked with four different sewing machines (two of the same brand, two of the same brand but different model numbers). Not one of them can sew through elastic without piling the thread up on the bobbin side and jamming. Usually the bobbin case pops out as well. The elastic can be overlapped ends, like for a waistband, or being stitched in with the closing of a casing. Any hint of elastic and it throws a hissy fit. I am at my wit's end.

Also, has anyone ever seen a class to learn sewing machine repair? I've hunted around and found nothing. I'm mostly curious about their general existance.