My sister and I both took shorthand in school and I used mine for years and still do once in a while. But it was funny this subject came up because just Thursday, she and I were discussing Christmas lists and who had who's name (with lots of nosy kids around!) She asked me, "How's your shorthand?" I answered, "No idea, let's see." She wrote out her list in shorthand and I was able to read it perfectly. And the kids just stood there with mouth's open! Like the old aunts knew some kind of secret code! Very cool!
I'm working on my very first quilt and intend to do it by hand. I don't know yet if I will enjoy it or will be good at it, but I plan to give it a shot!