As a hand quilter I can only repeat that quilting by hand is much more relaxing and allows one to carry on a conversation or enjoy watching TV with the family etc. while getting the quilt finished. I was never fond of machine quilting but being struck with a rare illness 14 years ago that permanently weakened most of my muscles I physically have a problem with wrestling a bed size quilt under my machine. Just sewing on the binding leaves me exhausted. In contrast I can spend hours hand quilting while enjoying my husband's or other family members company without the racket of the machine or the frustration of bobbins running out etc. Part of the enjoyment of quilting is handling the fabric etc. While hand quilting my hands are constantly in contact with one of my most favorite things. I have seen beautiful work done by long armers. I feel as if I would be like a worker in a sewing factory if I were to use a long arm machine. I also physically could not do the standing required.