I say "go for the stitch regulator" and choose a new machine only if you can't get a regulator for it. I have a Gammill that came with the stitch regulator and it is the best thing that ever happened to me in my quilting experience. But it took a ton of money (and was a Christmas gift from DH 4 or 5 years ago). If you are accustomed to quilting with your personal sewing machine, my comment would be just adding the stitch regulator to it would be the least expensive thing to add to it for you to do your quilting. That in itself is going to require another learning session. I have never tried using a home sewing machine to quilt (only on a place mat with straight lines stitching) and did not like it at all. I had all kinds of wonky edges when I finished, and had to trim my finished place mat way down.....Good luck as you work your way through this decision. Sincerely, Jo Ann