I had a friend teach me how do do sewing pattern, made some clothes for my girls when they were little. One day my younger sister show'd me a quilt she made, a friend show'd her. I decided to try it, took a course at the local high scool and have loved it ever since. I only hand quilt and I give away the quilts I made, I will never feel like a pro, especially when I see some of the quilts on this board... I will always be a novice but, I love it. :-D