My granny was a wonderful quilter. She NEVER used binding...bought or made..she always turned the backing over and tacked it down. I love your attitude..wish mine was more like yours. I say do whatever makes you happy. I hand quilt but that's what I like to do. I have a short arm quilting machine...wish I had a Long arm but just can't afford it....but even if I had one I still like to hand quilt. Maybe you can practice machine quilting on your sewing machine???? Just a thought if that's what you want. I know it's pretty expense to have one quilted in a shop. Just hang in there and keep your spirit up!!!!