I would like to comment as a person who did NOT do any of the very wise things that you are being told, and you re aware of. I visited a friend and stitched a few things. My name a funny looking 'feather', and fell in love with longarm quilting. Not made of money, I purchased a used HQ16, have had NO PROBLEMS, but lack of experience, exposure and time on the machine, I find myself kind of intimidated. BUT I have a terrific friend, 30 miles away for backup. BUT I highly recommend 'hands on' time. AND classes would be great with others because sometimes another person will think of questions that won't occur to you until you are on your way home, IF you are like me! ; }