Bev, that's a nice machine! I use polyester embroidery threads from Brildor. I tried the expensive ones like Madeira but my machine doesn't like those. Get some Water Soluble Stabilizer too, you're going to need that.
I never took lessons, just read the manual and figured it out. My dealer didn't offer lessons.
QNS, please show us your embroidery, I love handembroidery.
QuiltE, congrats on your new computer and printer. It takes time to get used to a new system, I know! But it's nice to have a computer that doesn't die on you while working.
Carrie, those are cute gifts!
Latest update on my DDIL: after a lot of testing they now know for sure it's amniotic fluid. They still don't know where from, we all hope it's from the deceased little boy. As far as things look now she won't be home untill delivery. The boy is now 1.1 lb, the girl 1.65 both with a 10% margin. I can't imagine how tiny that is and I hope I never find out!