I think it can be both. For me it is a hobby. But I think one reason fabric and quilting notions are so expensive is because quilting is considered by the marketers as art supplies. Many times you can go to office supply stores and get the same thing for much less. In fact, I've gone to Art stores and bought fabric marking pens cheaper than at the quilt stores. So why hike the price when the words quilt or sewing are attached to it.