How about trying YouTube? I find there are people demonstrating just about everything on there. You could try typing in "Brother sewing machine" and see if there's anything available. You can watch over and over until you "get it"!

We have folks from all over the world here on these boards, I am sure if one of us was close to you, we would be more than happy to help out. I know I would. But a good start is the manual, : ) and it should at least get you started. Once you get it threaded, just use some scrap materials you have laying around and practice on it. You can do this, I know you can !!!

Go to your local JoAnns and talk to the cutting counter ladies or if you are lucky there will be a Viking Sewing Gallery or an independent maybe they will help you. I work at a gallery and even if you did not buy your machine I generally can help you thread it. I would only caution you that when you are ready to replace that machine you do more homework and buy from someplace that will support you on your machine purchase like we do.

I have a friend who, like you, was petrified of her sewing machine. She had a new one in the box for 10 years before she even opened it! All you can do is sit down and start working with it. It just takes time but the more time, the more relaxed you will feel. Ask your LQS if they will go over the machine with you if there isn't a dealer nearby. Good luck! Soon you will love it!

We all learn differently. I learn better following written directions. Others need to be shown how to do something. If you have trouble with the written directions, find someone to show you. Perhaps a retired home ec teacher, or the current home ec teacher, or your extension office. If you have Community Ed in your town, call them and ask for a sewing class. If you are in a small town, put up a sign on the bulletin board of your grocery store, if they have one.

i have one of those its really easy just jump in and make an easy quilt to start! thats how I started!!

If I was close by, I would enjoy coming over and helping you to learn about your new machine and quilting on it. Maybe you can find a friend to come over and show you what your machine can do.

It is not necessarily easier to quilt. May be faster. But if you like to sew by hand, just enjoy it.

If there is a change in life that you want to continue sewing but have difficulty doing it by hand, don't worry and just unpack that machine and start trying it out. Baby steps.

I would check out some of the You Tube videos available. Just go to YouTube (.) com and enter a search for sewing, machine, piecing, etc. After watching some of the video you may then feel a bit more confident about starting to use your machine.

Cut up some scrap fabric and just practice sewing, using all of the different settings available.

As others have mentioned taking a class. If you ask around you might be able to find someone to help walk you through different things on your machine. Search out any of the machine dealers in your area and go and have them demonstrate their machines to you. Even though it might be a different brand they will help you with their models and that may be just enough help to get you started on your machine at home.

Good luck with machine sewing. Keep us updated on how you're doing.

Have a Great Day!

Pam M

Get out the manual, read it carefully and then start on page 1 and do each thing it describes. It won't take long before you are both good friends.

I hope all is well with you and your machine!
I know I did the same thing with my machine, embroidery scared me but I really wanted to get started.
I waited several months, now we are getting to know each other. "I" have a lot to learn, she knows it all, LOL