Instead of mourning - stand up for your quilt! What happened, why is it "wrong", why did you pay her, why didn't you confront her, and the referring party should know about it. Especially if it was your LQS (Local Quilt Shop) as they should see the work, and realize that they are hurting themselves if sub-standard work was provided. They stand to lose customers (you and others in the future). About taking lessons, maybe you will learn if your workman ship was at fault, and you will need hours of work on a rental machine until you feel comfortable working a long arm yourself.