I love to hand quilt my quilts. I love the look of hand quilting.
As for hand- sewing, I really admire you for being able to do a whole quilt that way. Amazing stuff!
I sew day time on my machine and then at night when I like the quiet times I hand quilt a recently finished quilt top or applique ( like my chicken quilt). I like the balance!
If you were in a quilt store the lady was probably thinking , "I could sell you more fabric if you used a sewing machine!" Some people are motivated by money! As for me? I think it is terrific there are people who do all their sewing by hand!
Lori