I have never had a class in embroidery as I am self taught via manuals and the soft ware that comes with the machines. I have a Bernina Artista 165 which is a sewing/embroidery machine. I also have a Bernina 1260 which is a sewing machine only but is a "work horse". I had a Deco 650 embroidery machine but it needs to go to the shop. A friend of mine updated from the Artista 165 and gave me this machine. I love both of these machines and wouldn't buy anything but a Bernina.