I have a small quilt, fabric shop in my neighborhood. I've been knowing the owner for a long time. She knew I did oil painting, so she ask me to do a painting for her. And how much would I charge. Well.. I said, I will do your painting in exchange for teaching me how to use that long arm quilting machine sitting over there. She said., OooK. So she has the painting, already framed and hanging and I told her I didn't want to start till after the holidays. She is going to put one of her quilts in the frame for me to learn on. Wow, that's scary. I have so many tops needing quilted, I thought this would be a great thing to learn, and then I can rent her machine to quilt my tops when she's not busy. So what have I got myself into, how hard is this ?? Like I said, I'm a little nervous...lOL LOL Any pointers from you professionals????