David, I agree with you. The majority of quilts I love were made decades ago without the assistance of the 'tools' we have today. However, with that being said, I think the abundance of patterns and designs is a factor in using the 'tools' -- they provide quilters with the desire and the ability to try making something new and different. I find I have to work very hard to keep myself in check from: buying every 'tool' and from starting too many quilts. My favorite quilts (that I've made) have taken time and a lot of thought, were not rushed, and did not include the use of many new 'tools' (the newest 'tools' used were a rotary cutter, cutting mat, and ruler).