I quilt mine by hand, but that is a personal preference. I also sew a lot of it together by hand, sometimes using the machine. So much is personal preference, my quilts are far from perfect, but I enjoy doing them and I think that is what it is about. I couldnt imagine paying someone to longarm quilt my quilt, I am much too cheap lol. I use my mat and rotary cutter, but when that is not available I will make up a template out of paper and cut with my scissors. I dont buy too many gadgets, once again the cheapness factor working. I also have 1 sewing machine, and I use an old one of my sisters when I am staying at my mothers.