I'm sorry about your mom. Craftsy is a great site with tutorials. If you get any of them you can jot notes and it bookmarks them. That way you can refer to them at any time.
Here's a link to your manual if you don't have one. Read through this and then you can refer to it.
https://www.google.com/#q=pfaff+tipt...ner%27s+manual
Here is a link to my Google search for Youtube videos on how to sew using a machine.
https://www.google.com/#q=youtube+ho...sewing+machine
Your top thread (the one through the needle)......when you start sewing you have to hold that thread until you get going.
I wonder with your bobbin if it's in upside-down.
I hope this helps!