Brand new cameo-help

I have an older model. When loading your mat you need to choose “load mat” NOT “load media”

When you use the mat it “loads” to the appropriate start point so as to allow for the non cutting space at the top of the mat.

If you choose load media it refers to loading vinyl or other media all by itself so there is no space allowance required.

I hope that makes sense and I hope that that is your issue because it’s an easy fix. I’ve been using silhouette machines for about 15 years. I hardly ever upgrade the software because I’m quite comfortable with the older version I use so I don’t know a lot about the fancy options but it works for everything I need it to do.

Melissa (Silhouette School) has some good tutorials right from the box. Silhouette School. She knows her stuff. 

If the Silhouette cut through the mat, you can tape it back together on the back. You can also flip it around and use it from the opposite end. If it did cut through, you can probably decrease your blade depth a bit. It does look like you have “load media” vs “load mat” chosen.

For “Good Morning”, look at the photo. See the thin grey line around the mat grid? You need your image within the line. I usually go in 1/2”, just to be sure. As for the overlap, do you have your carrier bar locked down? (What the mat rolls under.) It looks like your mat has slipped.

There is a very real learning curve with the Silhouette program. Also - I rarely let the machine operate by itself -- in other words, I watch it! There are "pause" and "cancel" buttons for a reason.
You also need to find someplace/one that can teach you the way you can learn. My choice was Wilna Furstenberg who has a very calm, free, beginner silhouette class on her web site. Silhouette School blog is also good. Facebook groups are usually a good source. And there are tons of Silhouette videos on YouTube.
Be patient and gentle with yourself. It is fun ... once you get the hang of it.

My task this year and it learn to take MORE advantage of my Silhouette -- trace, center rotation, foil and print and scan are all on list to learn!

Add me to the list of www.silhouetteschoolblog.com/ fans!
She has helped me through so many frustrations and has answered so many questions.
I need to get back to using my silhouette machine. There’s been so much going on this year with work, life, and other crafts I want to do that I need to get back on the silhouette craft wagon! I love using it and my ds like when we can make shirts and other fun stuff from vinyl. My computer got old, my work computer took over my craft room/home office, and my scrapbooking and quilting edged their way in too! I need a balance in my crafting. The problem is, I want to do it all!

Anyway, the point is—check out the silhouette school blog and she will have tips and answers for you. Her blog posts and instructions are great without being too basic or condescending. She clearly wants people to have as much fun as she is—which are the best craft blogs to read.

Hang in there schroema !! The silhouette is a fun tool to use with paper, vinyl, fabric and more. There’s definitely a learning curve though and Melissa at Silhouette School makes the curve much easier to follow and to understand.