Hmmm... I have heard this, especially when I started quilting again in 1999. I even took classes in template cutting, hand piecing and hand quilting. Unfortunately, my hands did not like it so I went to another LQS and learned things like a rotary cutter, cutting mat and machine piecing. I got hooked.
I have a friend who claims that it is not a quilt unless you use one of the "original" patterns -- none of this artsy stuff. I ignore her too if I am in the mood.