Despite buying a suction ruler grip so my hand doesn't slip, and a rotating cutting mat to make it easier and safer to cut out small shapes, I've still managed to slice the top of my finger this morning with a rotary cutter. I didn't know this was a dangerous sport!  I only hope I'll have all my fingers by the time I finish my current project lol.

    ouch, made me cringe.  I much prefer my shears.  But them I’m not a patchworker. 

Definitely worth taking some time @dolcevita.  I’ve been known to use fusible interfacing on the back before when I’ve had problems covering buttons. 

Me too!

No, although I do have the kit.  My mum bought it at a show donkeys years ago.  She never used it and handed it to me when I was doing C&G.  I think the pattern book that’s with it is very 80's but there’s one or two styles that might be ok.  The trouble is that even with this there will still be some fitting and adjustments to be made.  I generally use my own patterns and if I want something new I trace those off and adjust those.  I know they fit so it’s easier and quicker. 
Unfortunately there is no system that will generate a pattern that will fit absolutely perfectly straight away.  They all work on measurements but can’t really take into account things like posture and shape. 
I had a discussion with my tutor some years ago about software and she said we should all save our money.  We had learned pattern drafting with pencil and paper so why waste money on something that does the same thing and still have the fit problems? 

I’d also rethread the machine completely.  I wouldn’t use a microtex needle on stretch. 
Rethread, try on woven fabric first, then try in the velour.  If it works on woven and not on the velour, then need to think of something else. 
Have you washed the fabric?   

Hello from another Hampshire resident.  The only time I’ve been to Whitchurch was to the silk mill. 

I’m sure you’ll find lots of help and info on here.

That depends on various factors.  The fabric you are stitching on...man made fabrics blunt needles faster.  The number of stitches in a design.  I can usually tell when it needs changing.  The needle makes a popping sound when it’s blunt.  But if you’re doing a very large design change it afterwards.  They should go on for several hours really.  If you find it’s not stitching properly try changing the needle to start with.