Diana, I quilted the Turning Twenty on my Tin Lizzie, 18" machine on its frame. I can only imagine how hard it would be moving the fabric instead of the machine. My neighbor uses her DSM for stitch in the ditch and it is very nice. Before I got Lizzie I had a Handi Quilter 2 frame and used my older Bernina machine. It worked but there was so little throat space and the tension was a constant issue.
For retirement I got Lizzie second hand. We took out our kitchen table to make room and now eat in the livingroom or patio. My husband supports my addiction.
The Turning Twenty quilt is just loops, side to side. I am learning controll.
I have lots to learn about quilting techniques and I plan to ask lots of questions of the more experianced/brave quilters on this great forum.
Thanks all for the kind words,
Mary