I guess you could make a living at quilting if you get a good customer base and devote 10-12hrs a day quilting. I am a RN and there is no way I could make the money I make being a nurse compared to sewing for others. I did buy a LA and love it. I call it my boat in the basement. I know I would not enjoy it if I didn't have time to do my own work. Sewing for the general public is hard because they compare the quilts we make to the ones they can buy in a store. We know there is NO comparison. The quality of the fabric, the hours invested, the cost of thread...I could not work for pennies an hr. I love being able to go downstairs and work on fabric that I like and practicing on my LA for fun. I love working a few days a week and having lots of time to quilt for myself. My recommendation to younger people is to get a good education first. Then you can quilt all you want on your terms! Just MHO!