Let me start by saying that this is the first thread that I have read the entire thing since I don't know when. I agree with so many of the answers. The overall theme to me seems to be that quilting saves sanity and I know it has saved mine. I'd be sewing right now if it weren't 4:00 a.m.
I started getting interested in quilting when I got a job at Walmart working in the fabric department ... I grew up knitting and crocheting but was almost 50 years old before I tried quilting. I can do a little bit of it all ... the cross-stitch, crewel embroidery, plastic canvas. Only thin I can't do is scrapbooking 'cause it just don't make sense.