Grab an oar...I'm in the boat, too
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...s-t215930.html
I invested in a walking foot & darning foot this week to see if it improves my situation (1985 Kenmore 385 1254180 machine), but if not, I'll be sending my quilts out to a LA or investing in an up-to-date machine that I can learn and actually DO FMQ on. I really would like to do my own, but I love the look of professional LA. But yes, I feel your pain.
@ ck: how long does it take to complete a quilt on a LA (say, queen size)?