Hi Maureen, congratulations on your new FW. You will find lots of ideas for getting rid of the smell on this board. You might want to try doing a search. I had the same problem with mine and finally tried putting charcoal in the case after many other things. I think that may have done it, as it is now sitting in my living room and I don't smell it each time I walk by LOL. The machine itself did not smell bad, but I know I saw info on here about getting rid of that odor also. I won't try to repeat the info. Something about a drip pad. BTW, my maternal grandmother's name was also Lydia. Beautiful name I think. She was a hand quilter. Passed away when I was 13, still have the quilt she made me, but it is nearly in shreds. I am 63 now, but not quite in shreds! Good luck!