I have always quilted my own quilts. I started with the tacking when I was 19 yrs. old but then started quilting my own on the reg. sewing machine and about 3 yrs ago my DH bought me a long arm quilter, so now I do both. I do not advertize otherwise I would not have time to do my own. But my first reg machine quilt that I quilted--back in 1990 I used a white thread in the bobbin and red on top that way my pattern would show through the back as the top was quilted. Turned out ok. self taught, God and me and a book of instructions.