The Sapphires are good machines - they have all the great features that used to be available on only the top of the line machines, and that fantastic throat space.
Definitely take advantage of the free lessons - they will help you get acquainted with the machine and more comfortable with it. Some things will seem strange, like the pressure foot functions - but you'll be spoiled in no time! (You should have heard my mother, a long time sewer, when I told her I didn't have a pressure foot lever! I had fun with that one :wink: )