A good friend had been trying to drag me into the world of quilting for years, and I kept resisting... until three years ago, when I tagged along on a trip to a real quilt shop (I'd only been in chain stores). Well, those pillowcases were so cute, I thought I'd make one for my nephew. And oh, those rag quilts look pretty simple. I could do one of those. But a real quilt? Not me. No, no, no. I admired the work that went into them, but they didn't "blow my skirt up" either (great line, there, JustABitCrazy). A few days after that trip, I stumbled on the Modern Quilt Guild, and here I am with a vintage Bernina, two FWs, way more fabric than I should and three pieced quilts finished, and other WIPs. I'm not sure if it's the colors, the simpler patterns, or the ability to do my own thing that appeals to me, but I dont' see my self making a true traditional quilt, ever. If traditional were the only option, I wouldn't be quilting today.
As for the skills, yes, I see some that are less than professional, but we all start somewhere. Each quilt I've done has taught me so much, and I hope my skills continue to improve. This last one (my avatar) I designed and boy, did that teach me so much about piecing and assembling! I worked hard to get those seams to match. FMQ appeals to me, but I struggle with it a great deal, but I see that as a challenge.
On an interesting side note, since I've started quilting and looking at more modern designs, I've noticed that my house is looking a bit (OK, a lot) dated, so I've been modernizing there, too. I've been married 35 years, the kids are gone, and I'm reinventing myself. I'm loving colors I used to turn my nose up at (orange?? gray????). I think quilting is a lot like life. Some like to hold onto the past, some like to look for new roads to travel. It's all good.