I have been quilting since the mid 70's and did it all by hand until about 10 years ago.I think if I was doing it by hand I could make any pattern, it's so much more accurate. I love to Paper Piece and machine piece, its so much faster, but when it comes to applique I prefer to do it by hand. I think the only thing I have not tried is a Mariners Compass, but if I ever did, I would use Jenny Beyers methods,hers are beautiful, and are all done by hand.