Loving this thread! Loving the stories!
Here's why I quilt:
I learned to embroider from my dad's mom. I learned to hand quilt (not piece) from my mom's mom. I always had some sewing project in mind when they were coming to visit or I was going to see them and they would help me.
But, neither was interested in teaching me to piece a quilt. Gram said she didn't 'do that' anymore and Ma never did quilt. I took home ec in middle school but we only learned about clothes. That wasn't really my interest. My mom did mostly clothes sewing if she was making something back then.
When I was in college, I took a beginner class. I've never stopped. Now it's taken over my free time. I love to sew late into the night, during nap times and early in the mornings. I've participated in swaps and mystery quilt classes. I love seeing the finished quilt in the recipients' hands and know they will love it like I have. I love looking at fabrics, organizing, stacking, ironing, smelling it. I love the whole process of quilting and sewing.
I don't sew very many clothes or curtains but I can if need be. I prefer to make quilts for friends and family. My mom has even started making quilts! It didn't skip a generation after all!