I have made a number of large DWR quilts and only one did I machine quilt and I was not happy with the results. So all the others, 5 of them (now 7 all together) I did by hand and was very excited about the results. The thought did not cross my mind to combine quilting methods. Now it is something to consider. I am sure you will decide just how you want to finish this quilt. I am sure it will be beautiful what ever you do.