I can certainly associate this with you. When I received my featherweight I was sooooo excited. Sat down to sew and my heart sank! Could not get that beautiful "Little Princess" to behave. Finally, pulled the manual and started reading. Put that thread in the correct way and who would have thought something so simple could be such a problem. Love, love, love, my Princess. She sews so beautifully and goes from 2 layers to 6 layers without a wink. Do hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.