There's a huge difference between sit-down quilting and frame quilting. You should really know which you want first.

This is the setup I would get. If you have a dealer nearby, you might be able to wait and buy one used.
http://www.innovalongarm.com/shop/in...ge-detail.html

I would go to the big AQS quilt show in Grand Rapids in August. All the big long arm and mid arm manufacturers will be there. You can try them all and see which one YOU like. It's such a big investment that waiting a couple months would really be worth it.

The best thing I did was to go to a sewing show and try each of the machines I was considering. And don't be someone who tries it for 10 seconds and says they are done. I was at each booth for at least an hour. I listened to the sales pitch and then I put my hands on the machine and tried it. I also looked at what each booth had on the floor to stand on. I then found two quilt shops that rent time on the machine. I paid for the class to be able to learn to use the machine and then I went and used them for a couple of hours.

I do have to say I prefer a stand up machine because you don't have to pin your tops.

Super excited for you to get one, think of the creativity you will have.

This is so informative. I will have to test drive the different machines at my next quilt show.