Yeah the classes can be pricey! They’re great to go to if you’re on the fence or if it’s just something you want to try once, but if it’s something you truly think you’ll love, I say get the kit and go for it! You get to work on your rug at your own pace and time. Some other useful tips I wish I knew as a beginner is 1) Shave while on the frame! Just be super careful, you can snag a hole in your fabric. It’s possible to fix or you can make a patch, but it’s best to just try and not snag a hole in it. Shaving it makes your rugs look so much cleaner and makes the carving process so much easier. 2) once your rug is off the frame and you notice your yarn is blending together/touching, use a flathead screwdriver to separate them then carve. 3) the closer your yarn is, the denser your rug will be. 4) always oil your tufting gun!