I spent so much time trying to make those blinds. . .

I have spent a hundred million hours, it feels like, trying to complete the "simple" project of creating some roman blinds for my bedroom.

Here's a partial breakdown:

1) 2 hours trying to thread my machine;
2) 20 minutes finding my sewing machine manual;
3) 20 minutes finding my sewing scissors and other supplies;
4) 4 hours yesterday squaring, measuring, and cutting panels;
5) 1 hour today trying to sew a single straight seam, eventually broken into intervals because of the loops;

6) 30 minutes finding lumber;
7) 2 hours finding and buying loop tape;
8) 30 minutes buying a saw.

What is really making me crazy, though, is that I don't understand my machine, so all of the above time is very stressful. I think that's the big x factor. For instance, why on earth is all this thread knotting? I wish I had the time for one of those get-to-know-your-machine classes. . .

I need to figure out why the thread is knotting, and what to do about it. I am also stressed out by the possibility that I am using the wrong equipment. . . especially the wrong feet or needles. . . and just don't know it.