Just so you know I read the post I agree with the advice you have been given.  I mainly use the machines that have separate embroidery units on them When teaching but I also love heirloom sewing (no expert) and your machine is great for a lot of the decorative stitching.

Thank you Celia (just off to Google 'Heirloom Sewing!!') I am loving the machine for my bags it is fast and does a really nice triple stitch for my purses!! I only bought it because of the price to be fair,  I have a computerised Brother which I hated but the Singer has made me tolerant of the Brother and we are now almost in love!

Thank you once again x

Hi guys and gals I'm an embroidery numpty and have had the luck to buy a Singer 9980 Quantum Stylist which has never even been out of the box or plugged in for £250. I  mostly make handbags and purses and just wanted another machine to go with my Janome and very rarely need embroidery stitches - if ever. Anyhow the Singer does a few varieties of text on the computerised panel my question is do I need to hoop the fabric to use those particular stitches on what in essence is a bog standard sewing machine or can I go it alone?
Also I might like to have a bash at free motion embroidery or applique sometime in the future or in the next life when I get round to it and I'm almost certain I would need a hoop for that - right??.
Thanks for your words of wisdom

Trudi x

Hi Guys
I have come across this fie on a FB page I belong to and thought it might help someone waning to make bags as it is a list of fairly basic free bag patterns - enjoy x
Free bag patterns
Free patterns are great for testing a designer’s patterns and tutorial style before purchasing their patterns. They are also a great way to make bags on a budget. This list does not contain any affiliate links to me in any way, and it is of course not all that are available, just those I know of… please feel free to add any I have missed. Also most of the designers have helpful facebook group, some even have discount codes for purchased patterns.
Andrie designs   https://www.andriedesigns.com
The good to go messenger bag
Blue Calla Sewing Patterns https://bluecallapatterns.com/
The morning glory pouch
The sweet pea saddle bag
The lilac mini messenger
The Gerbera mini crossbody bag
The Clematis wristlet
Chris W designs  https://www.chriswdesigns.com
Coco
Gemini pouch
Emmaline bags    https://emmalinebags.com
The Manhattan zipper case
The retreat bag
Miss Maggie handbag
Mrs H patterns     http://www.mrs-h.com
The pampering pouch
The sling bag
Huffs n cuff patterns   https://www.craftsy.com
Carissa clutch
Taylor unisex bag
Moments designs  https://www.craftsy.com/profile/moments-designs
Stowaway shopping bag
Noodlehead  http://noodle-head.com/tutorials
Canvas pencil pouch
Carkai gatherer crossbody bag
Trail tote
Snappy manicure wallet
Cargo duffle bag
Summer madras tote
The library tote
Basic boys wallet
Gathered clutch
Scrappy make up bag
Open wide zipper pouch
Fold over tote
RLR Creations    http://www.rlrcreations.com
Sunday my way bag
Sew sweetness     http://sewsweetness.com/tutorials/bags
Oslo craft bag
Baker street bag
Discotech clutch
Brookfield bag
Arabesque bag
The Kennedy bag
Swoon Sewing Patterns  https://swoonpatterns.com
Dakota tablet clutch
Ramona mini hipster
Laney reversible hobo
Mabel vintage handbag
Alice shopper tote
Ethel tote
Dollie mini crossbody
Heidi foldover clutch and wristlet

Also worth a look are various youtube channels that are good for tutorials/patterns…including:

Debbie Shore
Melly Sews
The crafty gemini
Sue Overy
Shabby fabrics (includes free pattern pieces)

Could anyone point me to a tutorial about thread tension please?
I am struggling with two different Brother machines, one old one which I got out of the loft after 'losing' it for 10 years which to pay me back for my neglect only sews properly when it feels like it and a pre loved computerised one which does 'ordinary' stuff quite well (even though I'm dubious about the tension at the best of times) but if I try to topstitch using machine embroidery thread and a triple stitch it gets all obnoxious and tried to push the fabric sideways and break the top thread willy nilly.
I'm not stupid but have never had problems with a machine before and feel out of my depth - my nearest machine shop is 30 miles away and would like to give it a go before I resort to forking out cash!
I have two Janome machines one very old and pretty lightweight and one newer and more sturdy which I never have a moments trouble with - maybe Brother and I are the Paul McCartney and Heather Mills of the machine world and not destined to be together 

Anyhow thought I might ask on here while I still have hair.

I really enjoyed that, especially the human sewing machine.

Thank you for sharing!

I LOVED the human sewing machine - for a mechanical numpty it made things very clear!

@DementedFairy and @Lizzielogs oh you enablers you!
I just ordered and downloaded the pattern... but I have a stack of projects to complete and I must also get some cramming done for theory tests that are looming on my horizon.

But what a lovely thing a NCW is  My life is enriched, thank you 

If you DO ever get round to making it - this really helps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBbuA1bsKHk&t=20s

Thought it would be a nice idea to make purses to go with my handbags and wanted to do something more like the purse I always use so I could make one and use it myself - BIG mistake  - anyway after a few minor disasters with fabric and misunderstanding the pattern it's done and I'm pleased but I now need to clear my head before I make any more! I hope ALL you sewing project are going better than this one has for me!

I haven’t encountered a tailors clapper before,

Is this kind of what you have and how you use it?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YsFy8wgHabQ

Yes, that's exactly it xx