I definatly know what its like to have a hobby that's mostly dominated by the opposite gender. Not quilting because...well, I'm a girl. However, I'm a girl who plays video games and listens to heavy metal (and sometimes my quilts are video game or metal inspired. lol). Very male dominated. But guys think its awesome (and kind of hot I guess) that I do play video games and listen to heavy rock music. Why can't it be the same for a man who quilts? I don't know. I personally think its awesome when a man either quilts or at least takes interest and doesn't think his wife's/girlfriend's quilting is stupid.
And not getting help in the quilt shops: that's just terrible customer service. I just transfered over to electronics at the Wal-Mart I work at and I'm always excited to help out somebody in the game section. My favorites are the moms who are trying to buy Christmas presents for their kids and have no clue what their kids are talking about. Its fun to help them out and make sense out of the confusion between all the games and accessories. I would hope that women working in quilt shops would be the same and love being able to help out customers with their quilting needs (I'm assuming they'd be working there because they love quilting), espessily the men who come in trying to buy gifts for their wives or ones who want to try it out for themselves. I think its pathetic that there are ones who think men shouldn't be quilting. I think we should embrace anyone who wants to try quilting, female or male.