Welcome from the Suburbs of Chicago.... and former NYS resident. You first quilt is amazing!!! As for not telling you r freinds you hang out here... your secret is safe with us.
As for liking the piecing part better than the actual quilting... I consider myself a dedticated piecer .. and found using the services of a long arm pro to be the most liberating experience of my quilting life. .. as for the cost of it... well I would rather eat wish sandwiches ( two slices of bread and you wish you had some meat) for how ever long , so that I never have to deal with a big quilt on my regular machine.
Just a note .. your first quilt show you have real talent , first in color/fabric selection, pattern choice , and construction. I can't wait to see what comes next ... do share.