shortcake2012

I am somewhat new to quilting and mostly self taught with the help of this board and the internet. Three years ago I found my mother's Kenmore sewing machine in her garage and have made several very basic quilts on it and I was doing fine. My sweet husband decided I needed a new machine. We really couldn't afford an expensive machine so he bought me a Brother XR1355. I so appreciate him but I cannot sew on this thing. I read the book from cover to cover before I started. It's almost impossible for me to get a good 1/4" seam and the thread on the top looks like it skips. I tried to post a picture but couldn't get it to post. Does anyone have any secrets to this machine? I've tired for weeks and now all I want to do is throw this machine against the wall and go back to my mom's Kenmore. I'm so frustrated I want to cry, wait I have cried. I appreciate everyone on this board and all the help you've already given me.