Welcome to the wonderful world of hand quilting! Everyone is correct, it is YOUR quilt and you can do it any way you want to. As you do more hand quilting, you will find the things that work best for you. Everyone has their own methods and you will find your own too. The only other advice I have is to try new things as you go. Don't get stuck in the "I've always done it this way" trap. Keep learning and growing. ENJOY!!!