I've always called quilting "my sanity saver" as it has been a wonderful stress reliever after putting in a full day at a very challenging job. I started sewing when I was seven (one of the older ladies at church helped me because my mom didn't sew and thought I was much too young to be messing around with sharp objects). At nine I got my first machine, mom got me a few supplies and told me to go and do what I needed to do. I made my first quilt at sixteen to use up all my scraps from my many clothing projects (I'm still trying to use up my scraps!) and started making baby quilts for my friend's little ones when I was in my twenties. I made more when my babies arrived when I was in my thirties and finally took my first quilting class after I joined my local quilt guild in 2000. I stitch every day, love playing with fabric, designs and patterns and find it very satisfying to have a finished product to show for my leisure time. My daughter says that when the day comes that I don't want to quilt, then she will know that there is something seriously "wrong" with mother and it will be time to find me a room in the local nursing home.