today is the 20th day of 2014 and 20-14=6, so today i will tell you the truth about #6, RTFM (do an online search if you aren't familiar with the acronym). if you have to ask why you should read the manual for your sewing machine, you are most likely missing out on some cool features/functions (not to mention irritating people around you at a sewing class).
so, i'm sure we have all been at a class where somebody starts having problems with their machine. maybe the instructor tells the class to adjust your stitch length, set your machine up to do free motion sewing, or advises you to adjust your top thread tension. what happens then? based on my experience, there is ALMOST always somebody that either just sits and stares at their machine trying to will it into compliance or they flat out announce that they don't know how to do it. most of the classes that i attend give students a supply list that includes, among other things, a sewing machine in good working order with power cord, foot pedal, and manual. why is it so important to bring the manual? you shouldn't have the expectation that all instructors will know all machines (especially if the class is at a shop that doesn't sell sewing machines), and it is disrespectful to the other people (including the instructor) that have come prepared.
why does this seem to happen? sometimes it occurs when a person has a new machine or the person is new to sewing. these are totally understandable. i've also been in classes where it happens because the person is borrowing a store machine (also understandable). even more frequently, i see it happen because the person owns multiple machines and their more portable class machine doesn't see a lot of use (i admit that i am quite guilty of owning multiple machines that don't see a lot of use). occasionally, i've been in classes where a student uses their sewing machine frequently but still can't figure out some of the basic machine functions such as threading their own machine, winding a bobbin, changing the needle, or changing feet.
i don't want anybody to misunderstand and think that i am advocating memorizing sewing machine manuals (i know i don't have mine committed to memory) or that i think everybody should know how to use every function on their sewing machine (i admit that i don't know everything about mine). i do think that everybody should know how to read their manual to find the answers. if you read the manual and still have questions, ask away. you should get a gold star for at least trying to figure it out (i'm being completely serious).
reading the manual will undoubtedly save you time, frustration, and money because you will likely do less harm if you can properly care for your machine which means fewer repair trips to the dealer. as an extra special bonus, you will look really smart and knowledgeable to your classmates.
that's about it for #6 - read the manual. manuals are provided for a reason, and they are there to be used. if you are buying/inheriting a vintage machine without a manual, search the web. you will likely be able to find a replacement online. if you can't find one, maybe find a sewing machine dealer. they might have additional resources to locate one for you.
p.s. if you are like me and don't like/want to carry around a manual, many of the major manufacturers have PDF versions of their manuals available for download which can be viewed on devices such as iPhones/iPads, android phones/tablets, kindles/nooks, and laptops. the digital manuals can be fantastic because they are often searchable, you can often zoom in to view threading diagrams, and they save the paper manual from getting manhandled and gross. personally, i have downloaded manuals from singer (both new and vintage machines), brother, pfaff, baby lock, and bernina websites.
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