I just love reading all the stories and why this hobby is one of those that just sticks with us and lives in our hearts. "omacookie", your story really touched my heart...what a wonderful experience! I have loved quilts all my life and have wanted to make one since I was 11 or so. I got as far as collecting fabrics, cut them into squares and then had no idea what to do with them.
When my first grandbaby was due, a friend from work helped me make my first quilt of sorts. One fabric on the front and one on the back & tied, with a prairie point border. I fell in love with the process and made a couple more for the next two grandbabies, but got a little more creative. Before I even knew machine quilting was possible, I did just that, with a little Janome Gem Gold, and loved the results. My 8 year old granddaughter still loves her "awnie" and still sleeps with it every night : )
When I retired 5 years ago, a friend remembered me talking about it and talked my mom & I into signing up for a class with her. I'm now on my 23rd official quilt, not counting the first 4 that I just muddled through without any knowledge. My mom is also hooked, so that one class was the best idea ever, thanks to my friend Karen. I gift most of them and have a special place in my heart for each and every one. Quilting gives me a creative outlet, lets me continue to utilize my arithmetic skills (I retired from accounting). I can design with EQ7, play with beautiful fabrics, and make something useful for my loved ones and those special people that just need an extra bit of love wrapped in a quilt.