I am from 'old school' and I like fluffy tied quilts but that doesn't take away from those who love beautifully done machine quilting no matter how closely quilted. I live in far northern WI and warmth in the winter is my priority so I have been ordering what they call Fat Batt on the internet. It is more like a comforter batting and isn't heavy. I have hand quilted one bed size quilt for each grandchild and some for myself and those are more show pieces. I no longer am able to do that because of arthritis in my hands but Jan has given me some advice on how to hand quilt with big stitch so am now attempting a Christmas quilt using that method. I do not have the ability to machine quilt nor do I have the income to have it done so need to do what works for me. I love looking at all the beautifully done machine quilted quilts on this site and I say kudos to you ladies who are so fortunate.