I quilted, both hand and DSM, for forty years before I bought a LA...now the only thing I wish is that I had bought one when they first came out! I have a Gammill, and I love, love, LOVE!!!! it! Space? Not too much of a problem; all depends on if you REALLY need somewhere to sit other than the dining room table, and if you REALLY need somewhere to walk besides the narrow path you have laid out beside the LA...haha! Kidding, of course, but it really is nice to have that big machine to use when I need it. Would I buy it again? In a heartbeat!