Thanks for the advice. Lots to think about!
I guess it comes down to how I want the finished product to look, and I don't think I could achieve it on a long-arm. I am glad that those of you who "get it" get it! The advice to baste it is good, but I do want to try to learn how to move the machine too! But I'm not going to waste a lot of time/thread trying to learn how to make feathers. The cheap-o side of me can't justify a large practice sandwich, knowing that it's not going to turn out when I have a dozen projects to do by Christmas.
Irony: I could whip up some quick baby quilts on a long arm "in no time" but have no real issues with basting or quilting them.