I did exactly that when I first started long arm quilting- took the certification class then took a quilt in & rented the time to quilt one of my own- then I decided this was something I would want to continue, bought my long arm through the shop that offered this service. I've been offering the same service for the past 10 years. many of my friends have come in and taken the class- a few of them have then brought in quilts and rented time- but mostly the people who could rent time if they wanted have decided they would rather just pay me to quilt for them- some due to time restraints, some decided it just wasn't something they really like to do- but taking the class & trying it out is a great way to go- then you know if you want to invest in your own- or if you do not have space or money for your own you still have the opportunity to make your own quilt from start to finish.