Just take it easy, you are going to love this machine once you've had some lessons. I sewed on a Bernina and came home from my class and told my DH that this machine sang to me, it sounded that good. I bought a used one and then took lessons because I could not thread it either or use any of the many assets it has. I have had it now for 7 years and I adore my Bernina. I have never had it in the shop ever, my DH and I clean and oil it every 6 spools used and it works perfectly. You are one lucky woman !!