I'm an open-seam presser. Again, I also come to quilting from a garment/home dec beginning. When I started quilting - and I am all self-taught - I pressed to the side as was instructed on many shows. I really don't like the bulk. I hand quilt so that really makes a difference as well. And particulary when you (I) have many seams coming together it makes for a much flatter block/quilt.