If I want to quilt it has to be by machine because I am inept at hand work. It sounds to me that quilting as an art form is more alive than ever. Those who hand quilt will continue to do so, and those who machine quilt will continue to do so. I do believe that "modern methods" will be what is marketed. We used to use scissors and templates, then came rotary cutters and rulers - enter the die cut machines. Who knows how fancy and creative quilting will become?! I do believe that the old method will not die out because it does not require anything fancy. Needle and thread - and you're good to go.