I tried quilting my own but even SITD turned out terrible. I don't like that part of the process and like someone else said, I like the pieceing and I love applique. If I had to quilt my tops, I wouldn't have any done. I say, do whatever makes you happy . If I had to quilt my own tops, I probably would stop sewing. Yes, sending them out to be LAQed is expensive but well worth the money IMHO.