Vicky K, I think it's horrible that you were talked out of hand quilting! I personally love it and think it's actually much easier and so much more relaxing than machine quilting, and makes your quilts so special having that hand touch! Of course, that's just my biased opinion, but I encourage everyone to try hand quilting! Especially in the winters, I love sitting under a big warm quilt working on it, and use it as something productive to do while watching tv.