PPP -- practice practice practice. Yes, SID IS hard -- I still wobble and I've done so many ditches, I think I've been around the world and back. As others said --- buying a table is important ---- for SOME machines. My first longarm didn't require a table....it had a large base. This one has a small base and I have to add the table. I'm getting pretty good about popping it on and off. I have a friend that doesn't use a table and has a small base......I can't do that. I've broken 2 rulers by trying that one!!!! If it helps, try using Superior's invisible thread in the top and regular thread in the bobbin. You can't see the thread as easy. Superior's invisible thread is soft, can be ironed, etc. I REALLY like it. The one thing I learned is to turn your top tension down REALLY low ---- REALLY low. The inv. thread has to almost just fall thru the tension rings.
Good luck!