Think about this: it can be any way you want it. Do you prefer hand quilting? Good, do it! You prefer scissors over rotary cutter? Great..use them. One of the wonderful things about quilting is that there is lots of room for individual preference. My daughter is all about the product, not the process; I enjoy the process. My daughter's best quilting friend (and these "girls" are in their 30s) does everything by hand!!! I am in total awe of her talent and patience, but I want a sturdy, fast quilt for that baby shower next week! Isn't it great that we have so many choices? And, not only that, each new quilt project allows us to make choices all over again. We'll never be bored!