i don't think there's any doubt that these things help, but i do think different quilters are using different machines and quilting with different end goals. sure, i like my quilts to be as well made as possible, but in the last couple of weeks i have felt more than a little overwhelmed by the posts about threads (i can't see myself ever considering how many plys my all purpose gutterman thread is!) and these really really small details. i can understand that they mount to a much more accurate quilt, but when i posted the thread about "how good is good enough for you?" the majority of replies indicated people are quilting for pleasure, not perfection.
i am. and i hope that if these details are what you thrill you, you continue to pursue them. i will *totally* continue to admire competition level quilting from the sidelines.
i'm going to keep losing points and loving my time in the sewing room i think
aileen