There's no doubt that having a large quilt quilted by a long-armer is a MAJOR investment! But if you REALLY love the quilt, I think it's worth it--I just keep a revolving fund and throw in $10 or $20 whenever I have it for the next quilt. Of course, if I'm going to be able to afford to do all the quilts I have lined up, I'm either going to have to win the lottery or live to be 150!