Thanks for all the replies, I was so glad to see them....I did buy my Juki 98Q without ever driving one and I have loved it...so much that I want the Juki HZL 600 Exceed....it is at least a 3 hour drive to a dealer. I may never buy it, but it sure is a nice looking machine. And I have no fear of buying one without testing it...don't know if I would take lessons were they offered. I bought a midline Pfaff, and when I went for the lesson, there was only one or two things that she could show me that I had not already been doing.
Same when I bought a used Viking #1...(NOT the #1+) if it had been the #1+ I am sure I could have used the lessons.
When I bought my Juki 98Q, I was debating between it and another and after all the reading I settled on the Juki. Now after having this Juki, I really would like to have one with decorative stitches. And I just want something new. Some women like jewelry--I like sewing machines and cameras!