there are tricks to the trade using a regular sew.machine or midarm machine without frame...for one thing it takes practice. and it is not easy rolling up that quilt and throwing it over your shoulder to sew. one thing i like to do is the quilt as you go quilts...that way i get what i want and save alot of money to boot. also dont have to wait for a long period of time to get it done. there is very little wasted fabric or batting doing this either. personally i would love to have a long arm machine and frame but the machinery is just to expensive.