There are several local talented longarm quilters who do breath-taking custom work. Granted they make big bucks ($500- $2,000 per quilt) but I'm retired and have no intention of working that hard again. I mainly longarm quilt for Project Linus and quilt guild community quilts. Living in a retirement area provides tons of fabric, quilting tools, thread and books for little cost. You aren't being selfish if you want a long arm just for yourself as a hobby. Instead think of the joy you are providing as your quilts go to a new home.