Quick tip....Don't ever blow on the lint that's in your needle area. That just pushes it further into the mechanisms of the machine. Not Good!! I try to send mine in for cleaning once a year of so, depending on how much sewing you may do. I got hooked on quilting about 3 yrs ago when my neice adopted 2 little ones from Guatamala. Now I can't seem to stop. Welcome to the group!