For me, I tend to do hand-piecing, but I just don't have time to do the piecing AND the quilting. I take all my quilts out to a LA-er, but at least, they get done. Otherwise, they'd all be in a pile somewhere. I know this can be expensive, but this is my choice. Maybe you could work out a deal with someone on the QB, or a local LA-er that you will do the piecing in exchange for the quilting.