I had a similar problem and it was the foot pedal. If you live close to a dealer you could pop in and ask to try it on another machine.

I started using brightly coloured plastic headed pins when my chldren arrived. So much easier to find when dropped. I got into the habit of closing a rotary cutter when I put it down. I've never got on with weights. Swooshing your sewing area with a magnet after each session might help pick up any strays.

Just back from a bit of a break - now have I got time to do this? 
I can't beleive how creative you all are! There is some wonderful work here.

I don't see "like" in the Members' Diaries threads. I thought it was left out bemuse it would go into melt down with everyone liking the posts.

Speaking as someone who turns into an apple when I put on weight. I found that the best shapes for tops was reaching to the top of the thigh, but then I was left with a vast amount of fabric shouting look at me, I found that using prints helped with this.
Also look at the Ottobre Magazines for ideas as the put their designs on real people.

I kind of follow the instructions, but change the design around a bit: View A with the sleeves from View B. I make up the pattern in order, but execute them in parallel, working on the front, back and sleeves at the same time. Less trips to and from the machine. I have my own techniques for some things, such as zips.

I'm going to be doing this year's and last year's at the same time