Hi Molly! I am nearing 64 and having poor motor skills, I prefer straight stitching over just meandering. Growing up, I always admired the look of hand quilting. I like the quilting not to distract or over power the piecing of the quilt especially when it is a Masterpiece. I enjoy the look of cross hatching for backgrounds. But now with all the charity UFOs stacking up, I am having to look twice and give some of the quilts to members of our church groups who do quilting on LAs. Thanks for posting this interesting discussion. We are women who have a diverse opinions and I look forward to what others have to say.