Well...I was afraid something like that could happen. I just don't understand how you could get a nice flow to the quilt. I wish I could figure it out...My dad is a genius and this is driving him crazy. He knows how bad I want a long arm and he's trying to help me figure out if this alternative would work or if it would be a waste of money. I would hate to spend $2000 just to realize I should've waited til I could afford the real deal. I'm just not patient! LOL