if it were me and i was as nervous as you i would call up a local dealer and see if they offer classes. sure can't hurt.and it would make it so much easier on you

Kumbaya... sewing is a religous experience. Plug it in and see what happens... and whatever you do, keep your fingers out of the way of the needle. Seriously...this isn't as hard as you're making it.

I'm going to tonight... I don't think it will make too much noise... I'm going to test it out... I need to take the plunge!

I have that model myself, and I'm pretty sure at least one other person here does. I also know of at least one other on About's quilting forum.

Be sure to make several bobbins at once. I usually have six or seven ready to go so each time I need one, I don't have to unthread the machine, make the bobbin , rethread, etc. It just is so easy and makes life more enjoyable to be ready to go quickly!

I already planned on that! I have four bobbins that came with the machine... and I had some bobbins sent to me... I'm going to be sure that they are the same.

Great thinking! have fun!

My spool of thread holder on the sewing machine is shorter than the the spool, and there is nothing to keep spool from flying off the sewing machine. Is this going to be an issue or is this me just worrying?

Geezz.........Just crank up the tunes as high as it will go and they won't hear the sewing machine at all. :P[/quote]

HEE HEE.

Try pulling it up to see if it extends. Mine's the same way, and I actually did have a spool fly off once. Turned out I'd forgotten to extend it, and yeah, it was a problem. :)

I use one of those tall thread holders like I have for my embroidery machine. It works great and the thread dosen't tangle either.

I think I have it pulled up as far as it will go... I tried to pull it higher...

Alu,
The Connecting Threads thread are taller than the spool pin.
When you get ready to fill the bobbin, put your finger lightly on top of the thread and it will work fine. When you sew you should have no problems.
Deb

Alright, I'll do that. Thank you!

One way to get around this - in a pinch - is to look for a drinking straw that is the diameter of your spool holder, slip it over the spool holder, insert your tall spool, cut off extra straw that is not needed...and go for it.....

I could try that too... thanks.

the faster you get into it, the more comfortable it will feel and, before you know it, running your machine will be second nature. Take some scraps and just start - take a break if you get frustrated....I was amazed how much clumsier I was at 55 than I was at 13 - took awhile to get the dexterity back! Go tackle it and have fun :)

I'm going to finish the doll quilt i was doing for my march swap... all I have to do is sew straight lines... and I think I'll be okay. I am pillowcasing it, since it will be easier.

I agree, I sometimes only have a few mins at a time to sew. I get done what I can.

I WOUND A BOBBIN!!! It took me a few times to get it... but I did! Now I just have to do a couple more... and then I'll thread and then I'll sew... straight lines can't be that difficult!

I DID!!!! I used the sewing machine!!! I finished my March Doll Quilt! Well almost... I have to add some buttons or something...

I pillowcased it. Sewed it on the wrong side then turned it right side out... Now... tomorrow... I'll make the April doll quilt and finish the blocks I have to get out for this month.... and last month... Last month was so Busy! oy!

Nice job!!!!! We are all proud of you. You go girl.

Now I'm inspired to finish the baby quilt I started two months ago... and to make a lap quilt... but I'm going to take it easy.

WWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOO OOOOOOO



:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :lol: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Good for you :thumbup: If I may make a suggestion on practicing sewing straight lines; use a piece of paper with no thread. Graph paper helps too, or just draw lines, curves, etc on it practice following them.

My step-daughter called me last week, she had gotten a sewing machine for Christmas from her fiance and due to her job, this was the first time she even had time to take it out of the box. She called because she couldn't control the speed and couldn't sew even a decent straight line! I told her to unthread the machine, use paper and sew, sew, sew. She called me again a couple days later and said she had made a pillow! I was so proud of her. She is 36 years old and had never touched a sewing machine! I think she is about to be hooked to sewing. Practice, practice, practice. That's how we all started out.

Your little quilt looks great!!! Practice, practice, practice -- and it's so much fun!! :D :thumbup:

I just jumped in... I did sewing before on a machine a few years ago... so i figured, well, if i mess up majorly, I can alway start over with something else... had a couple of crooked lines... but not bad enough to start over... especially since I caught it right away. But I was worry when it came to sewing again on a machine cause it had been so long. I had it on the slowest setting... and I'm not using the foot peddle....

I do my sewing while "Listening" to the TV and my pressing during commercials (iron is in another room) :lol:

Now see, we TOLD you it wasn't hard :lol: :lol:

you did a great job on the doll quilt, it is so cute. keep up the good work, it will become second nature to you. God bless. Penny

How true, we were all beginners at one time. Good for you for just charging ahead! The worst you can do when beginning is break a needle (they make new ones!), sew your finger (keep your hands away from the moving parts!), or have to un-sew (rip it out and restitch - which becomes second nature!).
GO For It! Sewing is "sew" rewarding!!!

:-D :-D

and you might want to start with a small project like placemats so that you will have the satisfaction of a finished project soon! This is a fun hobby (addiction) once you get started...the jumping off point is "getting started!)
Have fun....pull out your manual and start at the beginning, threading and bobbin loading, then start with a straight stitch and a simple block...a 4 patch or a 9 patch.....if you make small mats, they can be donated to your local animal shelter so don't worry too much,just go have FUN!

When buying extra bobbins, be sure that they are for your brother machine, as they no not mix with other vendors....

I know! I actually went to the brother web site to find out where I can buy the bobbins for my machine. Especially since my cats made off with most of them... well the ones that came with the brother sans 2 of them... so I have to go buy more.