Good for you. I hear so many times that people have gotten an embroidery machine and it intimidated them and then it sat for years. That's such a waste. I got mine in last fall and made myself a promise not to let that part of the machine sit still. I get free monthly classes at the LQS where I bought my machine and I'm always looking for more things to learn. The teacher at the LQS is always thinking of new things to use different skills with. The one thing that I'm so lucky with is she's really been developing lessons to use the cutwork needle feature of my machine and I love it. This month she's having a special class just for that; a table runner with cutwork roses in the center. Then for our month club we are making beach bags using the mesh and canvas and embroidery and possible the applique embroidery. She has us bring designs we like but normally always has more for us to look at. That is good because my mind hasn't learned to think outside the box yet and be creative. Then the following week the "educator" from Viking is coming to the LQS and we'll install the 5D software on our pcs and she'll teach us so many things we can do with it and our machines. Now, I can't afford to buy the software yet but they'll still install it and let us play and learn more techniques. I get so excited for anyone who keeps on learning even though it's frustrating at times. Like last night when I'm trying to do my daughter's Mothers Day present and it does great for a few hours then the thread keeps breaking. Finally, I just stop and go to bed. I try to do a little this morning and the needle (a new one) breaks. That was a sign to go to work and start all over again tonight. I love the whole process. Good luck to you with your new designs. I just ordered the tractor ABC designs online and they remind me of John Deer when I see them. I'm going to use them in a quilt for my grandson; or a wall hanging.