Oh it's a Homemaker, you know, the Kmart brand? DH has a really very wise policy, which is 'let's buy a cheap one first in case this is one of your 'phases''. I had to use a really cheap brand mixer for a few years before I got a KitchenAid, so it does pay off if I can prove I'll use it.

I'm threading the top thread from the front. I can't really understand the instructions, but that's what it looks like in the diagram! Although...they seem to also thread it through a part near the needle I can't even find. Errr...

I just oiled it and brushed it yesterday! It's amazing how much maintenance I do, just because I'm not actually sure how to USE the machine.

Thanks for the tension info! I think I actually have the bobbin thread sorted, after years of being scared of bobbins (after not listening in class and so not even knowing where it went).
I've heard you can get little pressing irons just for sewing. They sound handy - I can't decide if that's incentive to get a cute little iron, or actually sort out my laundry system so that I can get the iron out for clothes efficiently. I know which option sounds more fun......