I too hand piece and hand quilt and love it too. My prob is not others but myself:)I want too many quilts and never enough time...so, I do 'cheat' as I call it and machine them too. :0) I love both avenues of quilting. I have purchased an amazing appliq. quilt that is just the top. All hand done and I will hand quilt that -for it is only right to do so:))I have many friends that machine piece yet hand quilt. And, you have to realize in a situation like you experienced is it is prob someone w/the serious lack of 'people skills' and communication:))And, we also have to remember that those mean girls from middle school...remember them...the insecurity issues, etc...they did grow up and go somewhere:))LOL Keep doing what your heart desires...I enjoy the rhythm of hand work and the looks of it too:0).....smile at ignorance!:))Skeat