I have been quilting for four years and use my domestic machine. I am able to quilt along the ditch to anchor the quilt then I either echo quilt, meander, trace around some of the designs, do circles. I have traced patterns on a few, but that is my least favorite thing to do. I quilt my tops so they are completely mine. They may not have the flourish feathers and swirls of the LA, but they are mine. If I were younger and not retired I would learn how to use one and rent the time, but fabric is expensive and I don't have the funds to purchase one. I do love admiring others quilts at shows that have been beautifully quilted.