Eight or nine hundred dollars??? Wow, no one around here gets anywhere near that much. Usually under two hundred unless it's micro-stippled and it's a king. I charge $.02 per square inch plus the cost of thread (since I don't order it wholesale) plus $25 if I have to baste anything larger than a small wall hanging. I might charge a little bit more if they want it really heavily quilted (like the lady I'm working for right now) but I've never heard of anyone getting much more than that. But, no matter what someone charges, if you can learn to do it for yourself, then all the better. :)

I tried using the gloves and found I didn't like it. I don't feel like I really have my hands on the quilt that way, so less control. I use "Sortkwik" fingertip moistener and it works great. Leaves no stain or residue, and it's sticky enough that I have good control. I got mine at Office Depot, but they may sell it at Walmart. I say use whatever works for you. Even with the moistener I have trouble getting the sitd straight if I don't go somewhat slow. Maybe with a lot more practice I'll do it easier.

Some quilt shops have long arm machines that they rent time on. Most require some sort of training session, but that is understandable. At our shop it is $16 a hour, but that varies from shop to shop. I would suggest you check around or ask at you local shop about long arm quilters. I think you will be surprised at the price. Over all meandering type quilting is the cheapest, but most long arm quilters who do custom work have set rates. It doesn't cost anything to inquire. :D