I asked for, and received, a new sewing machine for Christmas. It’s the same Brother model you wrote about. I have two considerable difficulties with it – the first is I can’t locate anyone closer than 60 miles away to provide lessons. (It’s been over 15 years since I’ve used a sewing machine and I really don’t get all I need from just “reading the manual” as my husband suggests!) The other major problem is my attempt at making a buttonhole failed miserably. Thanks goodness I only used a scrap piece of material, not the outfit I’m making for my grandbaby, because it was a total disaster.

So, my questions are these: can you help me with figuring out how/where I can get lessons? (I live in northern California, in Fairfield, which is mid-way between Sacramento and San Franscico)Secondly, can you help me with the buttonhole? I attempted two slightly different buttonhole stitches, but each time the outcome wasn’t useable. The first time, some stitches dropped, making it look as though a space was skipped, and the wrong side of the fabric had a TON of bobbin thread, making it totally lumpy. I followed the manual very carefully, for each single step of the process, but to no avail.

Bottom line, I’m ready to return the machine and get a Singer or a Viking – the nearby JoAnn fabric store offers lessons on both of those brands but has no info on lessons for Brother. :-(

Thanks.