Like IrishNY said: "I am a practical person, so quilting allows me a hobby that results in a useful object. I need that or I can't see the point. " This is me exactly.
I was a self employed sales person all my life - high stress, long hours, and a family who never saw me. Now that I am retired in Mexico, I started a charity group for poor infants, providing mothers with layettes. I have been putting receiving blankets in our packages (with sleepers, diapers, knitted hat and booties, etc., 40 layettes per month.)
One day I read something on line about quilting and thought, why not try ONE! Well, many stops and starts later, I've put together beginner quilts to add to the packages. The quality 100% cotton fabric you all discuss is very expensive here (must be importation fees). Available is less quality, blended fabrics that are colorful and okay to work with. In any event, I am really enjoying the processes I am learning - and I have a place for them.
Didn't grow up in a "crafty" environment. If it wasn't purchased, we didn't have it. So, this last year has been dedicated to teaching myself sewing and now quilting, which is quite a challenge; all online. No lessons in person for me -- they're in Spanish and I speak poor Spanglish, which doesn't work for learning.
I am loving the putting the blocks together part... the quilting part, not so much. Probably because I'm not very good at it.
I really enjoy this board, it's my first read in the morning, and the last at night. Thanks guys!