Oh Shadow, it is absolutely gorgeous! I have my great-grandma's machine, it's in a beautiful cabinet too, made in 1911. I tried to work the treadle a few weeks ago, but it would start, then stop, start, stop. I think i may need to get a new belt for it maybe, then have hubby oil it up too. I see you have the instruction manual. I have one too, so i will have to look and see how to thread it and wind the bobbin. Is your bobbin as funny as mine??? It's like a little skinny metal rod lol