Oops, sorry tropit I didn't realize you were using a straight stitch machine. Definitely not a useful class for you. You might want to look to things using free motion embroidery if you like the thread work. I love doing free motion work and have made some fun projects on my straight stitch machine. Bobbin work and couching might also be things to look at for machine embellishing.
Terry White makes lovely free motion embroidery projects and has a craftsy. class
http://www.craftsy.com/user/1186523/projects