Well.... Here's my thought. This process is supposed to be enjoyable (for me!). SEW, I have started tearing out what I did (which wasn't a WHOLE lot) and will just hand quilt it. I spent WAAAY too much time and effort into piecing the thing to finish it with no enthuasiasm. This way, in the end, it may even mean more to her since I took the time to do it right. I already made the template, and now I just need to find a marking technique that will cross the broad range of colors (white and very dark). I just think I will machine quilt when I feel like it, but mostly from now on I will probably be a hand quilter. :) I just really LOVE to hand quilt, and its not like she doesn't have a 'cheapo' bed covering to use until it's finished.