I use the Hobbs 80/20 for hand and machine if I want that old fashioned look and used to use W&N for machine if I wanted a wadding that wouldn't shrink, but I agree that it can be a bit stiff. I now use Quilters Dream Blend for machine work - its a 70/30 blend, lovely and soft even close quilted although you can leave up to 12" if you like, and it's very stable.