I'm assuming since up to this point that I'm the only one that mentioned having a Viking that you are talking to me. I have a Ruby. I got it in Sept 2011 so I'm pretty new. I take classes where I bought it and our teacher is really great and will give extra classes when we want to learn more. I have read on here more times than not about those who bought the machine and let it sit so when I got mine I promised myself that I wouldn't do that. It was a big splurge on myself since my husband had just up and left so I wanted to use everything the machine has to offer. I acutally do more embroidery on it than piecing. I peice on my other machine more because I know it better. I think tutorials are great. I check them out on every site I go as well as the projects. Viking also has alot of videos on thier site too. Every month you can get a free design from them and then this month I found a neat new trick. Phaff which is owned by viking and uses the same format and actually has the free designs on the same place has a different one free so I was able to get that one free too. My teacher liked that. You've spent that much money on your machine it's a shame to let the best part of it go to waste but I understand. Even with classes it can be a lot. I don't spend too much on designs; mostly get the freebees and also the ones on sale. Is there a place close to you that has classes; it doesn't have to be a viking dealer. We have a few places here that have clubs for all machines; like tidewater sew n vac. I'll try and post what I'm working on now. I didn't do the ones in the picture; they are my teachers; mine are in blue. It's a bookmark, checkbood cover and eyeglass case w/inset rose design. All of it is done in the hoop. this isn't my favorite thing to do; that would be the cutwork needles which all Viking machines can do.Check out this site. It has a lot on our machines. I ordered a cd for my Viking #1 before I got the Ruby and it has so much info on it. The site is:sewmuch4retirement.com
sorry couldn't get the pic to post.

I'll have to check again; I know that I wrote it down. Send my a pm and I'll let you know. I'm so excited about it. Anita's designs can cost what they are charging for the class.

For the benefit of you Brother machine owners, before purchasing the PED basic software check out Embird. I started out with the PED went to Viking then to Embird. Sure could have saved myself some money if I had started with Embird. I am so impressed with being able to add on and upgrade their software at very reasonable prices.