Well, I'm conflicted on this little sewing machine. The timing hook is not aligned correctly. So what I get is great big gaps--if anything manages to catch--while the straight stitch is selected (and the bobbin thread just not catching at all most of the time), and then an *almost* perfect straight stitch while the zigzag pattern is selected, with an occasional little half-zig or half-zag.Using the white thread that was included in the kit, I've rethreaded the upper thread multiple times; I've changed the needle; and using a pre-wound black bobbin included in the kit I've rethreaded the bobbin multiple times. Using different colored threads lets me easily see which threads are doing what.(I've sewn on over a half dozen different sewing machines over my 50+ years. I've been sewing on a sewing machine for almost as long as I can recall. I'm not comfortable calling myself an "expert," but I definitely know my way around sewing machines.)ON THE OTHER HAND: Should the timing issue get fixed (I'm debating adjusting it myself or taking it to a repair shop), I think this little machine would be great to have on hand.One thing I found interesting is that the speed control switch on the front of the machine engages the machine immediately without the foot pedal needing to be touched; and there are two speeds: fast and faster, lol.The kit includes everything you need to start sewing immediately. In fact, the only other things I needed to get started was a piece of fabric and a better pair of scissors (the little tiny pair included in the kit will cut thread, but they're pretty stiff and don't cut at the very tip--but will work if you don't have any other scissors at hand). There are plenty of replacement needles for the machine included, lots of full bobbins, spools of thread, and two additional empty bobbins. The seam ripper will pluck stitches, but won't cut them; it's dull on the inside curve. There's also a cloth tape measure and a plastic thimble. Oh, and it came with two needle threaders, as well. And two snaps and a small spare black button and white button, though those are obviously done by hand (hence the thimble, though...no hand sewing needle, lol, so...).The length of the foot pedal cord has a decent enough length, but not much to spare. The power cord length is probably the bare minimum. I'm a little puzzled over the inclusion of the USB cable. I suppose it's nice to have options. The foot pedal is nice and sensitive. Love that. The light is indeed bright. I don't see a power switch or a light switch. Everything is either on when the power is connected or it's off.The included directions and diagrams in the manual are actually pretty well written and drawn. You'll get help with threading, adjusting the tension and some troubleshooting tips.I'm giving this machine and included kit three stars just because of the timing issue. Had everything worked correctly right out of the box, I'd be giving this a five star review for a sewing machine for a beginning seamstress.