Mitch's Mom, Keep at the hand quilting. You'll come to love it. I certainly have. I've got everything down except the straight and even stitches part. But it's enjoyable and the results suite me, because I improve little by little as time goes on. The best part is that after awhile it just starts to come naturally (I think it's called muscle memory). I can now just sit and relax and enjoy the beautiful quilt on my lap. So, just keep doing it.