Good tips! Here are a few from me.
Use good thread! Old thread can be fragile and bleed.
Clean the bobbin area often.
Don't forget to oil/grease your machine regularly- esp the vintage/antique ones.
Use the right bobbin for each machine- again good quality will save a lot of headaches.
Mist the fabric and use a dry non-teflon iron- esp if you have birds or asthma. Teflon fumes can kill birds.
Be sure to check your scant 1/4 inch seam allowance, and spot check units as you sew. It will save a lot of frogging and frustration!
Do an internet search to check for corrections, updates, and suggestions for patterns Before cutting!