I'm also a hand quilter and took shorthand classes in high school and college. But, think about this. Hand quilting and taking shorthand are all done BY HAND. None of this high tech stuff--dictaphones, computers, long arms quilting machines. I HOPE hand quillting isn't a lost art. Mine isn't perfect but it's so enjoyable and relaxing. If I wanted it to be perfect, I think it would lose some flavor in the process--more stress and less relaxing.