Joe, you have to pin from the left to accurately use the guide so it's teaching an old dog a new trick in my case. I've learned like your wife and never used fabric guides. I've never felt the need to use a guide as I sew very accurately with the correct foot. However, this Featherweight has made it necessary for me. It's either try to learn to use the Nova Montgomery guide or not use the machine. But, yes, if you use a guide pinning from the left is the way to go.