Charmed - I also quilt all my quilts myself on my Brother PQ1500S. It only has a 9" throat, but works fine for me. I am like you, I would rather spend money on fabrics instead of a sit down, which I really don't have room for. I have a Baby Lock also that I piece on. Both are in cabinets, so are flush with the tops. That really helps a lot!
To make it easier to machine quilt your quilts, when you get them all set up and ready to sandwich, cut JUST the batting off in thirds. Secure (I use Elmer's Glue) your quilt and quilt just the center first - leave an inch on the sides not quilted. Re-attach one side with batting tape, or I use 1" of fusible interfacing, or whip stitch or zigzag machine stitch the batting together. Again secure your 3 layers, then quilt that side, and do the same for the 3rd side. I find this work real well, at least for me with my machine.
I hope that makes sense!
Last edited by JeanieG; 02-20-2018 at 12:45 PM.