I love my LA>>>The mid arm machine I had before it hated me and rebelled allllll the time. I moved up and now "Wally" (a Martelli Lacreasta) and I are in love. It takes time and patience. Just go for it. Make practice junk, give it to the pound for the dog cages and keep going. One bright and glorious day it will all come together and you will be in love. But you have to date first. Get in there and play.