Do you have a machine to use at the moment? Have to tried FMQ smaller projects? There are ways you can quilt large projects on a regular sewing machine, you can quilt in sections for instance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeelhIA3qAY Maybe see if you like FMQ first.
I would love a sit down quilter too one day, at the moment I just don't have the room.