I have a MA quilting machine but when it comes to family or if asked I do hand quilt. Right now I am working on my frist great grand daughters baby quilt and am doing it all by hand as being the first I want her quilt to be as special as she is. My mother didn't sew I learned in Home ec. But my step mother is a great hand quilter and showed me some of the basics, my biggest problem is I can not ware a thimble, I have tried many different kinds none worked for me. I still poke my fingers numerous times but doing a quilt by hand in front of the TV with hubby is very relaxing.