Are there any hand-piecers/quilters out there who feel biased against in quilt stores? I was in a quilt store up north last month and mentioned that I don't use a machine, that I do everything by hand, and the owner says "Well, you are going to have to get over that!" And not with a smile and a wink, either. I look at the quilt shops near me and all their classes use a sewing machine. Strip piecing does not seem hand-quilter friendly to me and so many patterns are strip-pieced. I like doing the work by hand. I don't want to use a machine. I like being able to sit on the couch with my husband and sew instead of sitting in front of a machine in another room, by myself. Do any of you have problems at stores like I do? Just a vent. A little frustrated.

Well all I can to this is you have my complete respect and I am in awe because my handstitching leaves something to be desired. I think most people nowadays are all about speed and sometimes forget the pleasure of doing the process slowly to savor it and have it done by hand. I say what ever floats your boat is great and you sure as heck won't find that icky bias in these here parts I am sure!

I bow to hand piecers and quilters! Everything you make looks beautiful. I am green with envy of your hand sewing skills. Keep sewing, girl! You know it looks gorgeous!

Yes, I am a hand-piecer and quilter also. I have noticed there are no classes for hand-ers either. I haven't been dissed like you were, but I do lament the lack of learning opportunities.

I do all my quilting by hand, and almost all my piecing. I do attach long borders by machine, but my machine sewing is awful. I don't enjoy it at all, but it is faster on those long borders.

I take my piecing everywhere I go. I manage to finish pieces here and there and I love to watch tv while sewing.

You Go Girl!

It's a shame you were treated that way. I do a lot of hand quilting and have only received positive comments. I admire you for hand-piecing. I don't have the patience for it. :D

Think of it this way.... when the power goes out from the latest natural disaster, who will still have something to do? It will be you!! You are prepared no matter what the situation! :) :) When the quilt shop owner is fussing about not being able to finish her project, you'll be humming along on yours. Life is good :) :) :)

It never ceases to amaze me how insensitive and boneheaded people are. The owner of your local quilt shop has never heard the saying "the customer is always right".

I have nothing but admiration for someone who can hand piece and quilt. How wonderful it would be to have the ability to work on a quilt in the car or waiting for an appointment.

Hopefully there is another quilt shop you can support that is nearby.

Sorry about your experience. I remember many years back when I first dabbled in quilting---we're talking 30+ years ago--if you even THOUGHT about machine quilting you weren't considered a true quilter. Machine piecing was accepted but machine quilting was pretty much quilt heresy. I'd say the pendulum has swung too far the other direction. Why does it have to be one or the other. A famous quote applies here: "Can't we just all get along?"

Just keep doing what you're doing and ignore the rude comments. My hat is off to you.

I'm impressed. My hand sewing isn't good enough. I'm jealous and they probably are too.