Many quilters make the patchwork tops and "quilt by cash" meaning they send it out to a longarm quilter. If you have made the top, you are a quilter in my book.
I have a friend who is, as she calls herself, a "mental quilter." She thinks about quilting and is good with design and fabric, only she doesn't actually make the quilt. She's a great friend and goes on our quilt retreats with us.