We had the same problem when we got our machine. There is nothing up here. I'm in northern Wi and really...there is one lqs an hour away and that is it. I have to drive 3-4 hours away to get to any real big town. When we bought our machine, they told us we should expect to get about 100 hours of practice quilting in. It's to help you realize that not everyone can just walk up to a machine and be good. It does take practice. You can go on youtube and watch quilting videos. There is a dvd that you might like and it's by the Pajama Quilter. Very relaxed quilter and she makes it fun. You can also try drawing designs out. When you practice drawing it, your building your mental memory and quilting that design will be easier next time. Spend some time watching quilting videos on youtube. It's free and they really do show you alot. I don't know if you have the lazer set up for pantos....but that might be an option for you too.