Sorry you had the problem in New England. I am fron Dracut, MA and go to a couple of quilt shops that welcome males! Also, there are 3 men in one of the guilds I belong to. One is 78 yrs young and just joined this month. He quilted a long time ago and recently took it up again. His show and tell of a soft yellow and green stack and whack that was ALL DONE BY HAND - PIECEING AND QUILTING - was absolutely gorgeous! SO DON'T GIVE UP. Try to find a friendlier shop and/or guild. And of course, you will get plenty of help here! Good luck and WELCOME!