Ahh, Blue, it's not just me then. When I finish each block, that's when I starch it, just before I trim it, so that is as flat as I am going to get it. It's more a question of just how many layers of fabric are at some of the junctions of these little pieces. If I were to hand stitch it, I would end up having to stab stitch in these areas. I suppose I am hankering for the hand quilted look to make it look more 'authentic' or more 'old' looking I suppose I am trying to say.