Hello--I'm new to this website. I read your post. My LQS has the same deal. I took a four-hour lesson, but I didn't think it was enough time on the machine to be able to do it without someone standing by. The woman who taught the class told me what days she worked and invited me to rent time on the machine when she was there to help out (her other job duties taking priority, of course). I wouldn't have wanted to try it on my own. After a second class, however, I think I could give it a shot.