I was taught how to quilt back in the early 80's by a lady that made everyone in class hand piece and hand quilt their first quilt. It taught us all alot about patience, really looking at what we were doing and the look we wanted to get. I've since learned to machine piece and quilt....and do some of both. Hand quilting means one or two quilts a year, whereas machine quilting will give me 5-6.... But I always have one in my lap to hand quilt while watching TV. I agree...very relaxing and stress relieving!