I too, handquilt and find it so relaxing. In fact, I stink at quilt tops (still trying oh so hard to master even and perfect blocks!!) but I do love handquilting. I also quilt toward me with a metal thimble. I have seen countless women who stitch towards them AND away from them & have tried and tried. So far, I have not mastered it. I think if you practice and don't put so much effort into it, just relax, you will find out if you truly enjoy it.