Have fun!!!!! Just play with it to figure out where everything is and then try an easy project. I have a 6500 now for 6 1/2 years and it stood in the box for a long time because I was scared to death. LOL One of my quilt friends could not resist. Opened it up and played with it. My DH walked in and was upset as he had bought it for my birthday, so I forced myself to get sewing and I never stopped. Keep your manual handy. It is a very easy machine. Took me a little to get used to the knee lifter and autmatic build in thread cutter. Wouldn't do without now and think they are the best features. A big congrats on your new machine.