My neice bought a long arm about 3 years ago. After the first few weeks she thought she had made a big mistake spending that much money and she thought she would never be able to do it. Her Mother and I encouraged her and told her to practise, practise, practise. She did, and you should see her work now. She has even quilted a quilt for Meg Hawky the owner, designer of Crabapple Hill designs. Her waiting list is about 3 months, but her work is beautiful. Oh and she works 40 hours a week, she is the head nurse at a hospital. She says if she can do it anyone can. She started out with simple designs, once she had mastered them, she picked something a little harder, ect. She does not back stitch either, she takes all the threads to the back of the quilt, after she has quilted it, and ties them off just like a hand quilter does. Just hang in there, and practise and you will be as good as you want to be, whether you just quilt for yourself or want to make money at it.