Brandy,
I can relate to you about looking much younger and folks not taking you seriously or chatting with you because they think you can't relate since you look younger.
I too look years younger than my age. In my 30s, I looked about 15 years younger. So, I do know your frustration from dealing with people that assume that you are in your late teens or early 20s. Those folks just don't take you seriously or try even to befriend you, and this can be extremely frustrating… been there many times. :)
Now at age 53, I'm mistaken for early 40s, which sometimes frustrates me and other times I find it amusing. Well, my best friends are my husband, my children, and my sister (who also looks years younger for her age). I like it this way, less drama.
I agree with others that have responded here to find a quilting group close to home.
When you introduce yourself to the group, mention that you get mistaken for being younger which can cause some problems for you, and that you are looking for a group for support and sharing quilting info.
I noticed your post on your vintage machines, White Rotary and Singers. Please chat with us in the Vintage Machines Shop! We love to chat! We even have a thread showing off our projects made using vintage machines.