Machine Embroidery – The Beginner and the Bobbin

Bought an embroidery machine from a friend for $400.  A good deal I’m told.  Started fooling around with it.  I don’t know anything about this machine.  I can always call my Mom if I have questions.

The machine came with only 1 hoop, a large one.  I know I’ll need another one.  As I search internet for hoops I gasp when I see the price.  Wow!

The machine has an computerized read-out. On it I learn how to thread the machine.  Simple, follow the numbers from 1-5.  It also tells me the bobbin is empty.  I think I could get used to this, a computer sewing machine that gives me step by step instructions on how to wind the bobbin!

I put the bobbin in the case but it went in weird.  Then I couldn’t get the bobbin out… Remember the saying “If it don’t fit, don’t force it?”  Hummmm

Call Mom.

Had to unscrew the floor-board to get the bobbin case out.  The plastic bobbin looks like it should fit, but my guess is it went to the previous owner’s other sewing machine (and I have a whole box of them).  Had to crush the bobbin to get it out!  Oh my gosh, now I’m having a heart attack.  Did I really just do that?  I put the bobbin case back into the machine.  Maybe I’ll try sewing something to make sure it still sews.

Oh no, the material isn’t feeding through!  What did I do? 

Call Mom

I look at the bobbin, everything looks okay.  I better download the PDF book file that tells about the machine (No, I did not receive a book with the machine.  There are reasons for that…). 

I’m guessing that the feed-dogs are just lowered (or did Mom just tell me that?).  I read the info about feed-dogs in the manual.  Yes, I needed to raise them.  Had to take the sewing arm off to get to the switch.  I never would have found it if I didn’t have the PDF book.  Thank goodness for internet and the ability to download.

Enough stress for today.  I decide to wait till my mother comes for a visit before I get started on a project.  In the meantime I work on regular sewing stitches with the machine.  I know I can use the practice.

Thanks for listening ~