I've had my 12000 for about a year, and I'm just realizing how much I don't know.  Although I have since decided to do things in the right order, I kind of shot myself in the foot by ordering the embroidery DVD before the sewing one.  It never occurred to me that it would have made it much easier to learn the basics of it.  I had asked how to program multiples of a decorative stitch, and when I got the answer, I finally realized I didn't have to arbitrarily click on the icons to try and do what I want.  I couldn't figure out how to keep the top thread from showing on the back, so I decided to use metallic thread on the top and bottom.  This led me to a search and a trip to the sewing store, because I couldn't tell which of my bobbins were Janome.  The lady in the store said not to use double metallic, but I tried it when I got home and it was fine.  Of course, it took me almost an hour to figure out how to wind a bobbin.  All of this because I didn't order the first DVD before the second one!  The manual explains some, but I couldn't figure out where the thread was supposed to go.  I'm not complaining that I'm going to burn the midnight oil to finish this project for tomorrow, but just marveling at how one rash decision could have such an impact.  Needless say, the first DVD is on its way :-)  Hope this bit of retrospection gives someone a good laugh.  And it makes it seem worthwhile to be able to laugh at myself.  Sue