After a few stitches my machine quits

The problem you are having is with the sensor on the top tension unit. There is a sensor that registers the movement of the spring which lets the machine know that it's sewing. When the spring either sticks or the sensor moves out of position because of vibration, the machine "thinks" that the top thread is broken. The machine needs to be taken apart and the top tension spring checked to see if it still has enough pressure to return to it's starting position, or to see if the sensor is in it's correct position. A trip to your service tech is required

Try taking the race cover off of the hook it has 4 flat head screws holding it together and theres probably lint blocking the eye

The Viking Iris (and probably the Rose) sews a few stitches, then stops and a little scissors flashes on the display. It is giving you time to snip the starter thread. Carefully snip the loose thread without moving the fabric. (No need to snip the lower thread) Then lwer the foot, and push the "Run/Stop" button (lower left side of button panel) to continue stitching the design. Sniping the thread at this point prevents the loose end from being sewn over, which makes it hard to get to, later. It will stop for the snip after each thread color change.