The Handiquilter site recommends 12-13 x 7.5-8 feet for a 10-foot frame. I'm also thinking of purchasing and have tried the HQ Amara and Avante and the Innova. All are base priced at $10,995. I'm not sure if a 20 inch throat (Amara) would make a big difference from the 18 inch (Avante). The Avante includes the rear handles, touch screen and laser for pantographs. They're separate (and $1000) for the Amara. Will you be doing pantos? I've quilted two quilts on the Innova and I liked it, but it seems everything is an extra cost for them. If you want the better stitch regulator - what they call lightning stitch, it's an extra $4000. If you just want the regular stitch regulator but want a touch screen, that's extra. I didn't see any difference in the quilting or ease of use of the machine between HQ and Innova.