Don't forget about Eddie!
You don't say your first name, so I'm going to call you Buddy.
If you send a PM to any of the guys mentioned above, I'm sure they will be happy to share their thoughts and ideas with you. All of them are very nice guys.
Buddy, do you have any pets? If yes, make something on the long arm for them. They won't care if the stitches are perfect or not and that will give you an opportunity to practice on your long arm. Good luck!