I would be calling all my friends and asking if they have an extra machine that you can use!! Most sewers have more than one and many of us, more than 2 :oops: . Also shop yard sales. Someone might be willing to part with one for a couple of dollars just to get the darn thing out of the way since they don't know what to do with it :D
And, yes, if you've never tried hand quilting, give it a GO! It's actually fun!