I took my first quilting lesson 7 years ago. The class project was a twin but I chose to do a queen. It took me 6 months to completely piece it and quilt it from beginning to end. I learned how to put the batting on (3 times) and pin it and unpin it 2x and then I rolled it up and did stitch in the ditch. It turned out beautiful and I did it all on my domestic older Singer. Now I use a Bernina most of the time and will never buy a long arm. I am determined to learn how to free motion quilt this year. I have taken several quilts to be longarmed by a lady I know who only does panto. I don't think you have to buy a long arm. Your choice.