One feature I love is you can use the regular (J) foot and sew 1/4" seams. Go to the quilting stitches, select the quilting stitch (I think Q-2). Get an index card. Put the edge of the pressure foot on one of the lines. Make sure the needle comes down directly on the line next to it. Adjust the position of the needle, if necessary. (You can also set it to sew a scant 1/4" if you wish!). Then hold the memory button down.

The next time you turn on the machine and press Q-2, the needle will automatically go to that needle position. You won't have to do it every time.

I can always sew a scant perfect 1/4 inch and I love it.

BTW, since it's too big to cart around for classes, what are you going to use? I am thinking about getting a Brother Project Runway PC420PRW. It weights 17 lbs and has the threader and cutter....only $369.00.

Congrats on your new machine.
I upgraded my Crescendo to the Unity and it was truly just to add the embroidery (which I use so much more than I thought I ever would.)
There's not a lot to "learn" - the machine is very intuitive. If your dealer is near by, go a couple times and have the sales girls show you some things - they usually have the advanced features down pat.

Suggestions: when you set a stitch, lock it. I find when working on a big piece I've occasionally bumped the screen and changed my stitch.

Unity Suggestion - check out the snap hoop. Pricey but oh so easy to hoop versus all the screw tightening, etc. LOVE mine.

Thanks a lot for the tip to get a scant 1/4 inch seam, Girlfriend. I am going to try that today!

The snap hoop or the monster snap hoop is on my wish list! I've heard pros and cons on both of them. Some say the allow the hooped item to slip too much. Can you supply any feedback?