Thanks everyone for the welcome, and for the tips re threading. The thing is, the machine came already threaded and I couldn't bear to try doing it myself yet in case I can't get it. It'd be so upsetting to be without the machine just when I've started using it and in the middle of things. I will though, one day, definitely, and you will be the first to know! I did get one of the spools threaded today with the tie on method and it was such a relief when it worked. Actually I've studied tutorials on threading the upper looper, the hard one, and I can't even see the hole you have to go through in the last stage 'from the outside in'. Yes I will definitely show some of the little garments I'm making once I've settled in.