Sometimes it is best to just walk away for a while!! My big machine lets me know when it is out of thread - either top or bottom. My new little machine doesn't and I sewed about 10 seams before I realized it was out of bobbin thread. When I have problems with what I'm doing I do just shut my machine off, then I will do a little clean up in my room so when I come back it isn't in a big mess. Makes it easier to sit down and sew again.