You should have been entitled to some free lessons from your dealer. Sounds like you need to take advantage of their expertise. Learning an embroidery machine is not like any other sewing machine! I'm a book-type myself, but have found times when either my brain wasn't working or the explanation was bad -- I just couldn't see it. Took it to the shop in frustration & w/in minutes, I was off & running -- with notes in hand! Good Luck!