I haven't read this whole thread, yet, so when I try to explain here why I quilt, it's probably nothing different from many of the other responses. I've sewn since I was about 12 years old. As I teenager, I sewed some clothing for myself and later, as a mother of 3, I made clothes for my children. When they were grown, I was back to making clothing for me. Just prior to the time my working career came to an end (mid-90's), I became interested in the many excellent quilting shows on television and was fascinated with the endless possibilities for design, color combinations and just general cuteness of quilts. I'm still just as fascinated and no one is more surprised by this than I am. That's because I hate repetition, so I do not knit, crochet, or cross stitch and the only embroidery I do is a bit of embellishment and doll faces. I never make the same quilt pattern twice. Quilting continues to fascinate me and does much to keep me entertained, mentally active and ... since I have divided sewing areas, one upstairs and one downstairs ... physically active as well. I don't need to make clothing any more, so that's one more reason that I am very grateful for the time, the tools, and the interest I have in quilting.