When I got my Sweet 16 a few months ago, I made up a dozen or so practice sandwiches in various sizes and just went to town practicing. It's all about practice, practice practice!! I've been slowly finishing up the mountain of UFO's I had. I still practice for awhile on it before I put an actual project on it. You will really love that machine once you play with it. Just doodle around on practice sandwiches and you'll get the hang of it. Have Fun !!