Been there done that (my sister actually did it to my finger while I was helping her) didn't get the T-shirt. I don't believe lint can start your machine. I believe it has a short in it somewhere. I had a FW that was doing this and there was an issue with the foot pedal. I think I would call another dealer and ask them. I think there would be a better chance of ghosts starting your machine than lint. What if it started while you were not home and burnt the motor up or started a fire. I am so sorry about your finger...I know it hurt. Mine was not bad until I got the needle out then it was Owwwwwwww. All my sister could say was lesson over, that was my last needle.