Welcome Nancynancy.....I'm sure you will find yourself walking the aisles of the fabric store soon and coming up with even more plans. I must say you are on the right track with your new machine....just getting yourself familiar with it and what it can and cannot do. Practice away every chance you get...mend all those little rips and holes in anything you find, practice corners and straight stitches..dial in a few fancy ones and see how they look...play with the tension (but make sure you know where to reset it for your perfect straight stitch)...just play away. The more you know about your machine the more worthwhile your l0 hours of lessons will be. Practice filling the bobbins, try and make buttonholes, put in a zipper in some old fabric....and LIST any problems you seem to run into....then you can ask at your classes. Take your samples in and show them what you have tried....you really are on the right track...read your manual and play with your machine. Too many of us think we can just sit down and sew away before we even know how to wind a bobbin. Practice, practice, practice....that is the key IMHO..once again welcome.

How exciting, Nancy! I'm really happy for your new gift. Tell Santa he done good! And remind Santa of how much money you can save by doing your own alterations, mending and home dec.

Those classes offered by the retail machine shops are invaluable. I took eight 2-hour classes when I bought my new Viking 2 years ago. It's that kind of customer service that fosters brand loyalty.

Have fun with your new toy!
Teresa

Welcome, Nancy!
Susan

Budster, Teresa and Susan, thank you for the warm welcome. I'd been thinking about learning to use a sewing machine for a long time. I'm very familar with good fabrics and trims from all my glue gun adventures. I wish I'd asked for a sewing machine a few years ago. Oh well, better late than never.

I bought my machine about 2 years ago and I still haven't taken the classes! In part, due to health problems. When my health is down, my inspiration is down.
Nancy, I hope you have a great time with your new machine.

Another welcome Nancy!

You've joined a spot where you'll get great help...the folks here are talented, knowledgeable and eager to share info and assistance. If ya' have questions, ask away; there are no dumb ones, especially in sewing.

Suzi

Well, I've been practicing and getting to know my machine. I can now thread the machine, wind the bobbins, and replace the needle like a pro.

This morning I made a tiny Roman shade 8" by 15" so I could see how it was put together. My shade is far from perfect, but I learned a lot. I know that when I make my real Roman shades I'm going to use a black out lining instead of the regular non black out lining I bought. I also learned my ring tapes have to be absolutely precise so the shade will hang correctly. And I'm going to have to get a better rotary cutter than the cheap old one I have now.

My next goal is to learn how to attach the zipper foot. I'm planning to drop by the fabric store tomorrow for a two-minute quickie lesson. Incidentally, I learned I'll have 15 free hours of lessons in January, rather than the 10 I thought I was getting. Once I can use the zipper foot, I'll practice putting in zippers and cording. Then I'll be ready to start on my first pillow.

Great idea to make practice shade. I've made muslins before using expensive fabric for clothes. Why have you decided on black? If it is to block light there is a 'blackout' fabric - I got some at JoAnns. I have had unlined, colored window treatment fade or change color over time. I'd hate for all your work to be sabotaged by mother nature.

Glassquilt, All my shades will be lined, and I'm going to use blackout fabric for the lining. Sorry for the confusion.

Hi, Nancynancy and welcome. Now your next problem is to decide which room in your house you want to give up to your new and ever expanding material stash. It is addictive.

You'll find yourself driving to fabric stores even tho you don't need anything. Then you'll arrive home with 10 yards of various fabrics and not even remeber what you planned on making with them. It's lots of fun. Merry Christmas, Monica