I dont think anything done by machine is as beautiful as real hand quilting. Machine quilting is certainly beautiful too..and I would gladly have either.
However,,,,so little time, so many quilts to try. I am taking quilting up later in life....besides the time factor...I also have some arthritis in my hands and wrists. I can knit, and I can hand sew binding on a quilt...but they would never stand up to quilting a whole piece. You just keep on stitching...it is beautiful and I think much more valuable.
Margie :)