i have this and have used it a lot. it works very well. there is a learning curve. if you want to do all-over patterns, it is somewhat difficult to line up the rows... but, i imagine, the same goes for pantos and fmq. i also got pcq designer as i like to design my own original quilting patterns. you can make patterns in the regular pcq software, but i found that a little difficult. you should have a computer, preferably laptop, to use at your frame when sewing... you want to move it along the frame as you quilt. and other programs may interfere with the software. a very cheap used one with just the basics is perfect. there is a dedicated yahoo group that has a lot of good information from users.