I have handquilted for more than 40 years. It is totally soothing and can be portable. I also love wholecloth the best as having no seams to traverse makes it a totally enjoyable passtime. I make about 20 Linus quilts a month. Those I machine quilt as they will have to withstand a lot of wear and tear. I will confess that if I make a quilt or quilt related gift for a friend or relative that doesn't appreciate handquilting I machine quilt it or have it longarmed. For about ten years I was a handquilter for hire. The advent of the longarm has for all intents and purposes have put me out of business.