Hi Chris I am from Australia I wish we could get more men interested in Quilting ovrer here, as males have such different views on pattern colours etc. You only have to look at the males already quilting. Hang in there and keep quilting. Not worth visiting those shops. I walked out of one recently because the sales girl was so rude because I am older. Have been quilting 30 years so it is not only on your side of the world. Carmen