I don't think it's a lost art at all. There are a lot of hand quilters on this board.

While I enjoy machine quilting from time to time, I enjoy the relaxation I get from hand quilting a lot more.



Janet

I hand-quilted my first (and so far only) quilt. I'm going to machine quilt the next one for two reasons: one, I want to finish it by Christmas; and two, I feel I should try both so I can decide which I like better. I believe that I will choose to hand quilt from then on, unless pressed for time. I loved the experience. It was very peaceful and gave me a deeply personal connection to the quilt.

I joke that I have long, personal relationships with my quilts, LOL.

Janet

I mostly hand piece and always hand quilt. Two reasons: 1. machines confuse me 2. I travel a lot and need something to take with me to do.

I don't think it is a lost art but when I saw a Long Arm for the first time, I just knew that I had to have one. Not sure I'll ever go back to hand quilting. It takes me too long to finish anything and arthritis makes it not as enjoyable as it used to be.

I have tried numerous times to hand quilt. I have beautiful stitches on top, but underneath stiches are so uneven. I tie all my quilts

I love to hand quilt, especially while watching tv. You can get alot done in just a couple of hours each evening.

As a friend used to say, When I have a quilt pieced and ready to quilt, I am in heaven. That first hand stitch is the beginning of a new adventure.... I LOVE LOVE LOVE hand quilting for all the reasons given here. It is so relaxing and meditative, the quilt keeps me warm on cold winter nights and I feel very creative as I move through the project....Always a hand quilter....
Ellen

No hand quilting is not dead. For 5 yrs I taught hand quilting at 8 quilting events a year and there were anywhere from 12-20 in each class (do the math) and continue to have full classe when I teach locally. In Sept/Oct I had two classes (Virginia and Atlanta) with 30 students. On the other hand I see few hand quilted items in shows where I judge.

I hand quilt. For me, it's relaxing. Set up the frame and use an office chair on wheels (no arms) and just slide back and forth until finished. However, I do machine piece. Lots of LAs in my area. Some are reasonable, some do marvelous technical quilting and then others I don't care for.