I wish my DH had hobbies. All he wants to do is "go out" to the same ol' places and I'd like to stay home and enjoy all the things I didn't have time for before retirement. I'd love if he got the quilt bug.

As far as tools go--in garment factories men were traditionally the "cutters" a more prestigious position than machine operators. Historically men have been knitters, weavers, netters, tailors, etc. I suspect having a husband as a quilting buddy would depend on how much you enjoyed each others company, not on his abilities.

WONDERFUL idea....I think you will enjoy it together.....double your stash...move to bigger room ....buy another machine lol win win

I think it is a great idea. My dad was fascinated by quilting and also machine embroidery. We combined the two. Mom, dad, and I had our own 'assigned' duties. We bought a long arm and he was into learning that. Unfortunately my mom became ill and it all came to a halt. Now I have lost both of them. It was great while it lasted. I think he is looking for your companionship also. Have fun!! Enjoy!! but tell him he has to get his own toys!!

Two people, two lives, share what you can, accept what is private, find something you can do together - a THIRD THING. It is the third things - the things you both decide to do because you want to be together, which will entwine your lives.

If as you said in a recent post you have been quilting for 20 years, and now your husband is bored and needs something to do, why not use the opportunity to do something you both can grow with? He needs your attention; that is why he sits in your room. Why not get out of your room and do something with him?

I think It's a great idea. When we go on vacation, my husband always makes it a point to stop at quilt shops along the way. While I don't think he will learn how to quilt, he is very supportive of my hobby. We are both retired and each have our own hobbies to follow and support each other in them.

Hate to sound selfish, but... I would not teach my husband to quilt. He is very competitive and would make my life miserable by telling me how I could do it better. I would give up because nothing would be good enough. He is an excellent carpenter and would be a meticulous quilter. We have been married for 46 years and do it by each having our own thing, which the other appreciates but does not share. At least in our case "paralell play is best.

I think it's a great idea. My husband is so supportive and helpful with my quilting when he has time. I can't wait for him to retire so he can learn more and quilt along side me. I bet your husband would love it too!

My DH comes into my craft room sometimes and putters around. He's good at rotary cutting and once I gave him a job of PP'g a pile of flying geese for me on my spare machine. He enjoyed it. When anyone comes over and sees the quilt he points to the flying geese and says "I did that part!"

Why not? You can teach him and if he doesn't like it, neither of you has lost anything. If anything, you gained some precious time together.

By all means, give it a try.
He can always say NO if he doesn't like it.
J J