There is a LA quilter in my area that will charge you for a class, then let you quilt your own work for nominal charge, i.e., $125 for the class and $15 for your own quilt or $10 for a donation quilt. (We have a couple of ladies in our Church quilting group that quilt the tops us...the quilts are given to children in need.)
That way you could see if you really wanted to purchase a LAM..it might save you a lot of frustration! And, remember, there is a HUGE learning curve on one of these babies! :-D
Let us know what you decide! We'll support you!!