I'm in the shorthand-handquilting group too. I never intended to take shorthand but I got bumped out of typing because of the class size. I never used shorthand and I never got to take a typing class either. I have done FMQ, I've sent tops to the LA'er (expensive), and I handquilt. I've decided that if I can't do a QAYG at home, I'll handquilt it. I actually love to handquilt in the evening while watching tv. I don't use a frame or hoop and I think I do a pretty decent job of it. I think all creative things go in cycles. I don't think handquiting will ever be completely lost, just might be replaced by other methods till it gets re-discovered again over and over again.