If you have never hand quilted, it is a great process, very relaxing. Your skills will improve with practice, and you can watch TV or movies or listen to music. I have machine quilted a bit on smaller pieces, and it is not easy with a beautiful top like yours. Practice on something you really don't care about before you start machine quilting on a beautiful top! Machine quilting feels like it is running away with you, sometimes, while hand quilting is a process where YOU have all the control and it is easy to take a few stitches out if necessary. I will never be able to quilt with the tiny stitches some people on this board have mastered, but it is acceptable and soft and relaxing. You really should try both. Good luck!