Howdy and welcome from soggy Seattle.
It took me quite awhile to get my technique up to machine quilting, it still isn't as fast and easy as I'd like but I'd never get anything done by hand.
The modern Bernina my friend gave me needs to go to the shop, so I'm using my back-up machines. Currently have my cheap portable Brother I have for classes, but think I'm going to bring up my trusty old vintage Remington workhorse. Thing is so heavy I'm groaning at the thought of going under the sewing desk to get it, but it's a great machine.