I think our ancestors would have jumped onto the rotary cutters, rulers and longarms the same way we have. There's some quilters that still love the hand quilting idea (I'm one of them but can't do it!!!). Where it will go in the future --- I have no idea, but I think it's exciting!!!! I love the traditional quilts..........I love some of the newer modern quilts, too. It's an evolving craft, that's for sure!