Like many of you, I started with quilting on my DSM,but hated the pin basting, can not get onto the floor due to knees, and found that not only did shoving it through the small harp hurt my shoulders & back, but wasn't satisfied with my quilting. I then rented time on a LA at a shop and loved it! When the opportunity arose to purchase a 2006 Gammill Classic Plus with all her threads, rulers, pantos, etc I jumped on it and just love it.
There was a learning curve, I've had to add a drafting stool after my 2nd knee replacement. I am retired and do quilt for others and achieve my goal of supporting my quilt "addiction" and while I would like to earn more to cover some insurance expenses, my husband reminds me that was not my original goal, I wouldn't want to lose my love for quilting and I am not going to starve!
it allows me to piece more and bigger quilts than I would if I had to use my DSM or pay someone else and it allow me to do more complex quilting too.