I bought my HQ used---need I say more?????lol
I quilt only free from the front of the machine. I tried pantos and HATED them. The boards are way too pricey for me.
I got lots of charity tops from my guild and just keep at it. I am amazed at how good I am now. I have had the machine for 2 years and LOVE it.
I practice a new all over pattern and then get really good at it. I have 3 different ones that I now do.