Well you know I had much the same experience with the first LQS I went to for classes. I felt uncomfortable (I'm in my fifties) but being the person I am I went out of my way to welcome new people that came along and soon the other quilters started to warm to me. Unfortunately the LQS has cut down on the classes and so I went to another shop who from the moment I worked in made me feel welcome. The shop owners are completely different personalities and I think that has had an impression on the students. The new shop even has classes for young ones and it is so nice to see young girls 12 and up making quilts and garments and making them really well and with such passion for what they are doing. It's a joy to be in that enviroment.