Actually, I don't own a long arm, but my LQS has a program where you can take a course on how to use it, and then "rent" it for 1/2 a day or a day to do your quilting. Obviously you don't take it home, you do it there in their shop. For one price you have the expertise of the teacher to coach you, or when you are able to do it on your own, you pay a slightly lower price. I've done 3 quilts now, but still would rather have the coach to be there and walk me through it.