Based on the reviews, I thought this Brother would be a very good starter machine, and it is just that. It *starts* off fine. But I am now dealing with the same problem on my second replacement machine. For a while, the machine runs great, is easy to use, and then the lower bobbin thread starts to mangle here and there. Eventually, the bobbin thread is such a mess that it is unusable. I'm not doing anything complicated, not trying to sew through leather, and this problem crops up to a debillitating degree within a few months (bought my first in June 08, had replacement in August 08). I know people who have bought similarly inexpensive machines by other brands and have had no problem with this issue. And Consumer Reports is finally scheduled to publish sewing machine reviews in February 09, so my advice is wait to follow their recommendations.

First, I got the order the DAY AFTER I ordered it! Great job, Amazon!

Second, I love the machine! I have never sewed before and with a little "fiddling", I was able to figure it out and start sewing. The manual isn't perfect for someone who has NEVER used a machine before, but I'm sure it is more that enough for anyone who has. The machine is easy to use and has a lot of stitch options. It has all of the attachments and spare parts that you need. I would DEFINITELY recommend it to other beginners!

Absolutely rapid delivery(two days)
I suggest trying all the stitches ,without thread, on a folded sheet of notebook paper after reading the instruction manual SEVERAL TIMES.This is a beginner's dream come true.

I too was having a ton of problems with the lower thread looping under the fabric. It was very frustrating. Finally I figured out how to fix it. Refer to the owner's manual section on inserting the bobbin for photos. What you want to do is drop in the bobbin, and pull the thread through the little slit like it says. But, you have to make sure that the thread goes into the slot in the "tension-adjusting spring" (this is hard to see; pull up the plastic tongue that forms the slit a little with your fingernail to see where it is), although it should go in by itself, then YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE BOBBIN SO IT DOESN'T MOVE AND PULL THE THREAD GENTLY TO SEAT IT INTO THE SPRING. That is the key. After I made sure the thread was all the way in, like magic my lower thread was working perfectly.

Aside from that I am happy with the machine. I especially like the needle threader and think that the top thread is very easy to thread. Now that I figured out the lower thread issue, I want to experiment with all the stitches! I wish the presser foot lever was on the back instead of the inside, but oh well. Be careful taking off the tape because I ripped some off and it pulled up a little plastic on the green part of the machine.

The owner's manual IS hard to read. The Spanish is right after the English, and sometimes they repeat the same instructions twice, and it's not laid out well. It is manageable, though.

They make you think you have to buy special bobbins, but on the box it says you can replace them with class 15, although I have not tried that yet. The accessories seem quite acceptable, except I wish they had given you some ball point needles for knits and stretch rather than just more sharp points.

Overall, it sews fine once you get everything threaded right, and I've made several tops already. Definitely good for a beginner or someone who doesn't want to do anything too fancy.

I really love this sewing machine so far. I did a lot of research before purchasing this machine and it was rated the number one machine that is a step up from a basic model on several different websites. It is so easy to use and I love how many different stitches there are. I think the instructions are straight forward and easy to understand. I am thrilled with my purchase!!