You sound like me....no Qbot....I want to do it myself...
I really enjoyed talking to Ernie and have e-mailed him through my husband several times..... I think if the Ansley runs like the Tin Lizzie I will end up with it....
I remember him saying you could use a number of different types of threads... and I liked the only one place to oil and the oil being contained....
Do you have any problem with the cord that comes from the bottom and plugs into the machine....I have read that some have and it is a real pain esp if it happens during quilting a quilt....have to move machine and then replug???