I know what you mean about the expense of sending away to be quilted, not to mention the time frame involved. After waiting 3 unpatient months to get one of mine back, I invested in a hobby quilter. It is just a 17" longarm, but I love it. Originally I bought the frame to use my home sewing machine with, but decided to go all the way. I was on the list for the Voyager 17 when they first were coming out, but I never got contacted about it so I checked locally for a distributer and found one about 2 hours away.
Since I have gotten it, I have done numerous quilts. Not all mine, but for my daughter and family. We had a get together once a week and everyone make their quilt tops. I just love my longarm and hopefully one day I can invest in the bigger models.
Barb