Welcome to the board. Look at your manual closely. You may be surprised what your machine can do for you. Keep an eye open for sales on Amazon. ALso check and find out when that gift card expires many do. Also check with your local quilt shop and see what they have so you could possibly try one out. One local shop near me teaches long arm for a fee of $25.00 an hour for a 2 hour course. Then another $15.00 an hour to rent their long arm. It's a Gammill. My thing is it would be worth it to me if I ever have to or want to quilt a large full-King size. I've still got a couple more places to check. Will also be a way for me to see about a gift for myself in the future. My thinking is you possibly could see if a dealer is nearby and you could try one that interests you and see if they allow or have a lay-a-way.