Congratulations on your machine. I know you'll love it. I got the Ruby last year and I'm still learning but loving it as well. I love the classes because even if a pattern has really good instructions you always learn more when talking to a person. The lady who does our monthly is a Viking rep so she knows my machine inside and out. This week I'm learning to use the cutwork needles to make a tablerunner with roses in the middle. I've done some cutwork by hand and also the needles; it's so much eaiser when the needles go in and cut all those little sections of fabric out. Then the following week we are embroidering on mesh to make a beach bag. Check Brothers web site to see if they have free designs; Viking has a free design each month. I just went to a trunk show for Hatched in Africa and they have great designs with great prices; you should check them out. Also emblibrary.com has freebees each month and once you start ordering then about once a month you'll get the sales email and get great discounts. For my birthday month I got to get design packs for 50% off; that was great. They also have great projects and tutorials on them as well as on stabliziers, etc. I'm very happy for you. Wishing you all the luck in the world.