I also love hand work.I enjoy piecing, red work and hand quilting while sitting in the family room with husband. I also love my machine and how quickly things can get done with that method. Saving for a long arm machine now so I can get more done before I die! So sorry to hear of your dogs passing. Our 12 year old yellow lab died the day after my birthday. Boy,was she a shedder,white hair! we now just have the chocolate lab,eh.o can make hand work difficult because he wants me to pet him every second I am sitting in my sewing chair.Got to love dogs! happy hand sewing!