I make my lap quilts large enough to snuggle under while I'm watching TV. Smaller ones can be used by children.
If you're having a hard time quilting your tops, and don't want to send them out, try quilting in sections. I did this before I bought a longarm. I bought the book "Machine Quilting in Sections", by Marti Michell. She explains several techniques, and when each would be used. Excellent book!
http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Quilti...8072288&sr=8-1