I have to say, I loved every word. I did the same things you did, x stitch, tole, garments, anything to keep my hands busy and accomplish something, BUT...I found out about quilting about 10 years BEFORE I retired, and I started to buy and buy and buy, knowing I was going to use everything I could lay my hands on, from fabric to gadgets, to magazines to pins..and then one day....I RETIRED! That was 12 years ago and I have been sewing ever since. I am not great, but what I do make, I love and the ones I give away they love them too. I also quilt for charity on my longarm, so I am busy all the time. I love it and would NEVER go back to the other things I use to do. This is the love of my life.