I have had my long arm for about a year and a half. I have not set up pantographs on it, and don't have the computer. I started on jelly roll strippy quilts. I have gotten quite good at meander and leafy things. I don't particularly like feathers, feel they are done to death. So I will probably never try feathers. Most of my quilts are charity quilts anyway, so I don't bother with the fancy stuff. But there certainly is a learning curve with long arming. I find it very relaxing to load a quilt and then just mindlessly do a simple meander, and in an hour or so I am done and ready to bind. I love that feeling. I can also do hearts fairly well, but, my suggestion is to go at the speed you are comfortable with. I have tensions down perfect now, and that is a BIG accomplishment.