Jan, all the ladies have offered really good advise. AKA suggestions. The number one rule is to have fun. Regarding longarms, lots of time there are vendors at the shows demonstrating / selling long arms. Gee, sure wish I could go with you. I am in North Lakeland, but I am knee deep in completing a quilt for my daughter to take to her in Alabama when we go at Thanksgiving. AGAIN, have fun.