Maybe you could do a small class on hand quilting at your local quilt guild. I know there are lots of folks that would love to learn. That is just a suggestion. Most people don't understand that you have to have quilting thread, quilting needles and so on.. I don't think it is a dying art, I just think this is a hurry up world and no one wants to take the time to hand quilt. We had a lady in our home town that hand quilted for hire and she was always snowed under. sorry you had a bad experience. Also I always try to support our lqs. We don't want them to go away. I know JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby are sometimes cheaper. But like WalMart they can at anytime just up and decide not to carry fabric or sewing supplies anymore. Again just my opinion.