I wanted to try out a LA, so I did just what y'all have talked about: I went for a lesson, took a small lap-size top that I had; and after the lesson, I meander quilted that top. I had a fun day, the instructor was very good, and I was pleased with the quilt. I really don't have the room for a LA at my house, and I'm not interested in making that investment because I wouldn't want to quilt for others, so this method is perfect for me. I don't do the quilting on my regular machine, so I was paying for the quilting. It's cheaper to rent time on the machine at the LQS, and I get to see all those friendly folks and the beautiful fabric.