Hi Ruth Camp
Imagine your sewing machine and the face of a clock. When you sew, you have your machine in 2:45 position and parallel to your body; the needle side of your sewing machine is the #9. Are you following me? If you are not, do not keep reading because you will be more confused! Now, rotate your sewing machine to the 12:30 position and perpendicular to your body; the needle side is the #6 and the closest to you. Does it make sense now?
Lucia