I was a rank beginner and took a class on the HQ sit down machine. We had practice sets of fabric, backing and batting. First we did just scroll around on plain fabric. Then he gave us polka dot fabric to practice moving the machine around dots to get a meander. Lastly, we got to quilt a large floral design and add thread work. It was fun and easy to do.
As with any machine, it will take practice but was nice to be able to sit down and it was easy to use. I also took a hands on class on the Gammill machines and while fun, it was not as enjoyable to have to stand and with my new knee issues, it would no longer be possible so it is a good thing I did not get any stand up machine.