I've been quilting 2 1/2 years, and I just recently started machine quilting. I wouldn't want to try it on a big bed quilt, but some people do. Maybe I will some day. For now, I wrote everything I had to say on this topic a while back in this post (if you're interested).
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-57341-1.htm
It's really so much easier than you might think. I just sat at my sewing machine with my laptop computer and went through the beginner designs on Leah Day's 365 Days of Free Motion Quilting. I was amazed at how much easier it was than I thought it would be.
Since I wrote that post, I've switched to Machinger's Gloves and I love those. Also, I purchased a Supreme Slider and I really like that too. I got mine for less money at
http://www.jhittlesewing.com/sewing/catalog.php
I got my Gloves there too. Everything is half what you pay anywhere else, and I've had good results using them.
Oh yes, and I've used my embroidery module for quilting too.