I don't machine quilt, though I have recently done a little practice block, nor have I ever had a quilt machine quilted. I am finishing a top for my son and DIL and would like to hand quilt the center of it, and have the rest machine quilted. It is a medallion type with a hand appliqued center inside a large star, with several borders around it. I have heard here and other places that some battings when machine quilted get stiff, I know one cause is lots of quilting, but are there battings that stay softer? Also, is it possible for me to have it machine quilted if I hand quilt the center? Thanks for your help.