DonnaR. I understand where you are coming from. I have a short arm and was afraid of it. All the advise you got is great and I know I still am not good. but better than I was at first. I have 2 quilts to do for my granddaughters for their gratuation and I am not sure I should try my quilting machine, I have had it sence July, or just do it buy hand. I quess I'll just practice some more.