Start small and you will be amazed at what you accomplish. Start with a walking foot, not in the ditch but just up and down, back and forth. Whenever I want something that I can't afford yet, rather than getting myself into debt, I set money aside until I have enough. Longarmers can really make a simple quilt spectacular. But, not every quilt needs to be spectacular

I'd go through the stack of tops and divide them by a) absolutely needs to be long armed, b) nice to long arm, c) I could quilt in a pinch. Then I'd save up for the long arming and tackle the ones I could do in a pinch. I'd use my walking foot and either do a grid or stitch in the ditch. As I got better, I might find I could maneuver my machine a little easier and get a little fancier. But I allow my quilts to NOT be perfect. At least they are finished, and I can give them away, sleep under them, or even use them as tablecloths or picnic blankets.

I have found that free motion quilting is too stressful for me. I worry about it constantly so I have stopped doing it. I do quilt bigger quilts in sections and sometimes I do some free motion in those. But mostly, I just use my walking foot, and I'm getting better at it all the time. I recommend Leah Day's book on walking foot quilting. It really helped build my confidence.

Many years ago I clamped and pushed a quilt through my machine and at first the were a bit rough. After that on larger quilts I started hand quilting them. I have never long armed a quilt but sure would love to and am thinking about it. Even my avatar is hand quilted. I was unable to get the majority of the quilt under the machine so that took care of that . For years I used my grace frame and my Brothers 1500se. Right now it is not working either. Seems the frame is out of wack right now. Recently I have been doing QAYG projects that allow me to quilt on my smaller machines with little to no stress on my arms. My home quilting is always evolving for this I am grateful. I have no clue where the future goes. You might want to try a number of different techniques. Don't give up!

I do too. My first quilt was only stitch in the ditch. Practice makes you better especially FMQ. Even after all these years that I have been quilting ,mine are no where near what a professional can do,but I still feel proud of them and it gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Is there a real demand for just tops?

I had never thought of that, thanks for the suggestion. I think I am going to try that. Thanks again,

I, too, enjoy the creativity of the patchwork much more than the quilting. I have a basic longarm that I bought to quilt my own. I do not quilt for the public. I made a deal with one of my friends -- she could use my machine to quilt hers if she would also quilt mine, one for one. Unfortunately, she passed away before she ever got started. But, it was a good idea. Maybe this idea would work for someone else. Yes, that was a simplified explanation. There was a lot of discussion with training, thread, supplies, etc. There is also an element of trust. She was a dear friend. I don't think I would do it with a stranger. But, a sister quilter isn't a stranger for long.

Yes, I find that having quilts done by professionals is expensive. I'm not saying it's not worth it, I'm just saying I can't afford to have all of my quilts quilted professionally. I decided that when a quilt I was not too enamored with was finished and ready to go to the quilter. It was a bed size quilt and would cost about $160.00. Once I calculated everything, I decided then that I didn't like that quilt that much, so it's still in the closet.
Since then, I mostly make throw or lap size quilts that I can do on my own machine. If it's special, I'll still use the long armer, but mostly, I just use my walking foot.
bkay

The only quilts I send out are King because I just can't wrestle with one that big and our bed is that size.
I know a woman who does a King for around 120. That's a good price. She does a wonderful job.
Right now I'm almost finished with one to send her. She also provides the batting in that price but I want
to use wool this time so I will send it along and she will deduct the price of the batting she uses. She's done
2 quilts for me and I've been very pleased. She said with the quarantine she's backed up 3 weeks which to me
doesn't sound bad at all.
PM me if you want her info.

I like toverly's advise also. Save up till you have the money to have it quilted. Good idea.

I sent you a PM