Thanks for the help! I was looking at Jo Mortons first book on small quilts --When you machine piece you don't have the freedom with what directions all of your seams can be pressed. I see Jo snips some of her seams clear to the stitching line . Ugh That would make me nervous as to the strength of the seam being impaired. I always heard that your quilt is as good as the weakest thread. These quilter nowadays don't seem to care if they backstitch at the beginning and the end of a seam to lock the thread. I want things good and sturdy. I was at my quilt store the other day and there was a quilt hanging within reach and I felt of it and after being quilted it was pretty stiff. Any advice to getting a nice cozy feeling hugable quilt?