Sharon, this is a great thread and I have enjoyed every story here. You are such special people.
My story is pretty tame. I grew up in Nebraska and did the home ec sewing and 4-H sewing and made clothing etc. My Mom is not a good teacher and very short on patience. So I guess it is good to have other teachers. My Mom however is an excellant seamstress as we were kids. Made clothe covered buttons and belts for the local sewing store, I still have the machine! Anyway I digress, she started quilting after us kids left the house. One Christmas I was visiting and was really bored as I was now a Californian and didn't appreciate the slower pace. So I asked her to teach me how to make something. So I made one block and hand quilted it for a pillow cover. I enjoyed it but didn't really get the bug until about 10 years ago. I don't get as many things done as my Mom but have quite the stash and UFO collection.