I hand piece and hand quilt. Most of my quilts never touch a machine. My sister says that is the sign of a true Heirloom. I have made 2 full size quilts for her daughters and they love them.
I believe that the quality if better if hand pieced. Someone told me not too long ago that hand piecing is less thickness. Only one strand of thread as opposed to the top and bottom on a machine so therefore easier to hand quilt as well.