I understand cost. I never buy fabric, batting,or anything else unless it is on sale. I am buying Christmas fabric now for next year. Joanns and Hancocks offer coupon sales. There is a lady in my quilters quild that bought a Juki and a frame for around $1400....(of course, not knowing your budget) and she quilts like crazy with it ( she has to reposition more often because the throat of the machine is smaller). I am with you, I don't have the patience to sit and do it by hand either. Some other ladies quilts a square at a time then puts them all togethet. Some quilt shops have a long arm they allow their customers to use or rents time for use in their shops. Good Luck!!