So did they see me coming? I stitched out one design, all good. I read the manual and was impressed by what the sewing function could do so went to give it a try. It was skipping stitches. I don't think that function had been used for quite a while. Suddenly the machine made an awful noise so I quickly stopped it. Top thread well knotted around the bobbin. Cut it free and decided to try again. By now the bobbin was running low so I set to to rewind it. No go, the bobbin winder was jammed with thread around the shaft. Oh, what joy!
So, a quick dismantle to remove the jam, then a thorough clean throughout and reassemble. Still skipping stitches but it looked like there had been a needle strike on the hook of the bobbin case so I am awaiting a replacement. There should be a spare with the machine (one for embroidery and one for sewing) but that was missing so I guess this has happened before.
I'm sure I will enjoy it once it starts working properly.