Thanks for all your responses. They were all very interesting to read.
When I was taking a hand quilting class, the teacher told us the first night not to worry about the size of our stitches, but to work on even consistent stitches. So I went home and did my homework, deliberately making the stitches larger than desirable so that I could work on rocking the needle and getting them all the same size.
When I took my work to the next class, the quilt police were there . One lady was really curt and dismissive because of my large stitches. Another was kind enough to tell me that the even, consistent stitches were really good for a beginner and when I practised getting them smaller I would be a really good hand quilter.
I didn't ask either one of those ladies for advice, but the difference in the way they told me my stitches were too big was a good learning experience for me.
BTW a third lady was effusive and sugary because she was trying to be nice. :D
Hand quilting is my passion and I am reasonably good at it.
I am stubborn and if I want to learn to do something I'll do it regardless of what anyone has to say, but the lady who gently criticized me with no false praise taught me more than hand quilting.