If the idea of quilting on your regular sewing machine seems intimidating, another option is to get a machine quilting frame -- you can sometimes find them used on craigslist for less than $500, and it would theoretically pay for itself within a few quilts (i.e. compared to sending it to someone else to quilt). And there are many frames that would work with a regular sewing machine (although the kinds of patterns you could make would be somewhat limited). I love using a frame -- there's no tugging and rolling to fit the quilt underneath the machine throat, as it's all handled by the frame. It does take some practice and getting used to, though.