I am a newbie quilter and I do not have any intentions of sewing anything by hand. Relaxing??? Absolutely not, I am a mom, military wife, cook and everything else that goes along with being a SAHM. The last thing I want is unfinished quilts laying around my house b/c I don't have time to hand bind my quilt. This hobby is about enjoying yourself and when you worry about what others think then it no longer becomes fun!! Enjoy, have fun and keep machine sewing your binding.