I too am from Michigan, welcome. I just bought a Brother 1500s, and a Gracey quilting frame. (Novi Expo Sewing show) I also want to get a long arm but I started with this as a starter and learning device, before I take the plundge. When I am confident with it I may step up to a machine that is larger. My sister and I finished our first real quilt on it yesterday. It turned out beautiful. It has been a learning process. We practiced on one of those ugly ones first. Now it looks quite good too. The frame I got will only handle up to 90" wide. Not sorry I started small.