Take some classes if you can. I have had my shortarm setup for about 5 years....I like having it, and I like doing my own quilts. I wish I had more time to practice quilting on it. I usually end up doing my own swirly whirly quilting motifs free motion, because I am a procrastinator and end up needing to do the quilting quickly to meet a deadline. My own fault. I work full time and am very busy with quilt guild and church activities, as well as kids & grandkids. So, yes, it's great to have a quilting setup....just don't beat yourself up about using it, or getting really really good at it in a hurry.