I have an embroidery/sewing machine and a friend of mine has been working with me to learn it. She has bought a lot of the designs and some thread. I have bought most of the thread and stabilizers, she brings over her items she wants to embroider and we usually take turns putting the embroidery on the item. We have learned so much about how to make the machine do what we want it to do and we have a great time doing it. Simple designs take about 20 minutes - others take an hour and half. Maybe she would like to have you there and have the companionship while doing it.