I started out hand quilting, however, my career as a secretary resulted in severe carpal tunnel, so I had to quit. I did take a machine quilting class and have been on a roll ever since, although I admit I haven't really mastered FMQ yet, but hope springs eternal. Since I do mostly baby quilts, utilitarian items like placemats, table runners, wall hangings, etc., my straight line machine quilting works. I understand you reluctance to do machine quilting, but it's a skill like any other, you have to practice, practice, practice, just like learning to play the piano, although I don't play. LOL.