I too have just received my class 4, what a machine. but yes alot to learn on the do's and don'ts I am having a buddy of mine come show me the ropes on leather sewing machines, to comment on your question about stitching so close to the edge. a good way to cheat while your learning is to leave your pattern large, sew your edge then cut off excess next to stitching ( BUT not too close, that's holding your piece together ) , bevel, burnish, and finish your edges... plus this gives your edges that one piece of leather look waaaay easier than trying to stitch close to the edge and risk running off and junking up your artwork. good luck to you and practice practice practice.