Your quilt is beautiful. I had the same problem with my second quilt but I wasn't brave enough to try hand quilting (i have carpal tunnel) so i had to stick it out on the machine. It was a queen size bursting star design and it seemed like every star I had to tear out one point or another. In the end though, it is all so much worth it. Just think of every stitch as a kiss and a hug from momma. :-)