When I first started quilting I sent them out because there was no way I wanted to try to push all that fabric through my home sewing machine. But! When I got them back they may have been beautifully quilted, but they weren't my creation any more.
Our lqs got a long arm, teaches you how to use it, and then lets you rent it. My long arm quilting is not near as pretty as what I got when I paid for it, and never will be cause I don't have that kind of talent. However, when I am finished it is still my own creation, and I love it.