Been reading for quite a while, so now I will jump in. I belong to a guild with lots of embroidery machine users and every one has been able to get lessons with their machines. I have two Viking embroidery machines. The early models and I work them both to death. The trick with any of the machines is to have them serviced yearly and take advantage of any lessons that are given. The last machine I bought was $500.00 and it was obvious that they person who owned it was afraid of it and had not used it. Find a sewing machine dealer that you like and have good discussions with and go from there. They are your main communication with these computerized machines.