When I learned to quilt very few did machine quilting. But I love the feeling of setting and laying my quilt on my lap and put on my mp3 player with books on and losing myself in the motion of quilting. I think the look of hand quilting is softer. For me, using the rocking motion is easier, except it can do a number on the fingers on the underneath fingers. I use a waxy substance called "thread heaven". Also if I am quilting in a thicker area, like seam allowences, I will use a finger cot to help pull the needle thro.