I would give my eye teeth for a long arm, but can't afford it nor do I have the room for one. Therefore, I send my quilts out and figure it isn't costing me anymore than my own machine. I am winding down on my quilting(age related) so not sure what this means in the way of machines. I think I am happy with what I have....a regular sewing machine and one that does do a few fancy stitches.... not an embroidery machine. I gave my daughter a nice machine 10 years ago that she didn't use....preferred her own older machine. Is now trying to sell the machine I gave her. Of course, since I gave it to her a lot more features are available on the newer ones. I also gave her a serger which she uses all the time. Guess a lot of this question can be answered with affordability and dedicated space available.