Pretty much the same here. I started quilting in the late 70's and had been sewing for a dozen years already, clothing and crafts. Always used a wooden yardstick from the hardware store, scissors and homemade templates. I had never heard of or seen a rotary cutter or transparent ruler until the mid-90's. Nor had I ever seen or heard of machine quilting! Always tied them or quilted by hand. We had one fabric store in my hometown that everyone went to for all sewing needs. Now that I have those 3 handy tools - rotary cutter, mat and 6 1/2 x 24" ruler - I am a much more prolific quilter. The LQS's and Jo-Anns keep my passion fed. By the way, I still have that wooden yardstick - it is the hanger for my avatar.
