Originally Posted by Borntohandquilt
For me hand quiltig is an independent craft. It can be combined with piecing and appliqué in a wonderful way, but it also can stand on it's own.
Hand quilting is like hand writing - every quilter has her/his personal way of doing it, there is no right or wrong, what works good for you may not work for others. The result is that counts.
I certainly agree with you. There is nothing that takes the place of hand quilting. To me, no rules apply because it is your own masterpiece and there will be no other like it.