Hi I'm new to the forum as you can see but I've been reading this daily for months. I had to join today after reading what you said. I have been trying to teach myself machine quilting and not having much luck. I still prefer hand quilting and to me it is much easier. If you can do a running stitch you can hand quilt. I taught myself to hand quilt and with the help of my aunt I learned that I needed to make sure the batting was for hand quilting, a good small needle (keeps you from putting to many stitches on at a time) and a thimble was about all you needed. Of course some quilting thread. I have several beginning books if you would like to use them and always more fabric than I will ever use. PM me if you would like them.