I have had my Crown Jewel for about 1 1/2 years. I started out on my juki 98Q and hq table frame so I had about 2 years experience before getting the CJ. I learned to do pantographs which was great and then just started doing different freehand designs. I have since taken several online classes from craftsy and longarm university and also watching the utube videos.. I also have some DVD which are great. I think that practice, practice, practice and the ability to give yourself permission to make mistakes and not be perfect is the key to quilting. Just need to bite the bullet and start quilting.