My first three quilts were hand pieced and hand quilted. I have since moved on to machine piecing, but still love to hand quilt them. It is putting something of yourself into the quilt, and yes, it is relaxing to do. I still like to keep something going that is hand pieced, too, since it is so portable and can go with me while I wait for appointments, travel, etc. I don't think it will go the way of shorthand and become a lost art.
Shorthand - took it in high school and have used it all my life. While I don't use it in a work place any more, I still use it when taking notes on anything, especially when I am on the phone. Once you use it for so many years, it becomes second nature to you. I couldn't stop using shorthand if I wanted to - the notes just come out that way.