You should see if a place in your area is offering long arm classes so that you can see what it's like. I think anyone thinking about a new machine of any kind should try it out to see if they like it. Not all machines are made for all people. Then make sure you have good support from the store you got it from; like I wouldn't have bought a Bernina mainly because I wouldn't have wanted to deal with the dealer here; I'm not the only one who doesn't like the people who work in that store. Thank goodness my choices that I even thought about was Viking and Janome and since I love the people at the Viking store and they've always been helpful when it comes to sewing I stayed with my first love the Ruby. I haven't regretted that at all and the store never lets me down and I keep learning so much so I don't get bored and set it aside. Check things out before you dive in; all of these things are alot of money even on sale.