I have a Creative Touch 1036 which is a latter model based on the Futura. Did the lever on the pattern changing knob return to the top position when you started to sew? Could the pattern selector knob be between stitch patterns? Are you winding the bobbin with on straight stitch, center needle position and 0 width? The bobbin latch should be to the right while winding and should go back to the left when you close the slide plate. Occasionally I have to remove the bobbin and rethread the machine if the thread isn't picking up but it doesn't happen often. If that doesn't resolve your problems it may be a timing problem.