Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is a review for the Brother Project Runway CS5055PRW sewing machine (for those of you who like to cross-check reviews with the actual product, you smart people you). I'm an occasional sewer (occasional as in the last time I bellied up to a machine was 10 years ago), and the new fancified machines with the digital displays were well out of my price range back then. I didn't know if I would catch on well with this machine, which for all intents and purposes is a pretty basic machine, as far as sewing machines are these days. Let's break down what I know about using this thing: -The book it comes with will become your new best friend if you're new to sewing, or are rusty (like me). It gives a breakdown of all the moving parts and accessories that come with it, the how-tos of operating the machine, and gives a stitch guide on the uses for the various stitches (as well as which foot to use). -It comes with a decent bunch of starter needles, including a ball point needle and a double needle, so you can get going right away on most projects. -You can use spools of thread either vertically or horizontally (for those of you coming back to sewing after a long absence and wonder why you don't see a big spindle sticking out of the top). -The (semi)automatic threader is nifty, although it does take some getting used to. The needle must be in the completely up position, and you can't hold the thread too tight or too loose, otherwise it won't work. Other than that, it beats trying to stab the needle with the thread. -There is a thread cutter on the back and to the left for when you're finishing this stitch, and there is one in the bobbin housing to get your bobbin thread to the perfect length. -It's pretty darn easy to use overall, especially after you read the included book. I'm also all for looking up videos. I had to because the (semi)automatic threader was a tough one for me to grasp. -It's lightweight, although the handle is kind of awkward, so I recommend using two hands to move it anyway. -If you're buying this and plan on buying spare bobbins at the same time, buy the clear acrylic ones. Metal bobbins will not work in this machine. -BONUS TIP for those who plan on working with microsuede/suede/velvet: purchase a non-stick foot. I ripped out a lot of stitches before realizing this. I've used maybe 6 stitches from the list on this machine so far, but only because I haven't worked with thin materials or elastics yet. So far, so good. Don't have any complaints other than the (semi)automatic threader was a little difficult to figure out, but that's more on my end, and definitely not enough to dock a star.