My grandparents taught me to applique and piece when I was 12,I finished the quilt when I was 15. I quilted on my own till I was in my 30's and joined a quilt guild, through this group I took classes and met many published quilters, learned a tramendous amount. 1985 I met Harriet Hargrave- her class was phanominal, She was the pivoiting point in my career, I am now a professional quilter and teacher - besides my day job. I still take classes at trade shows, they are expensive, but I save for them, and they are worth it. AQS in Lancaster PA this spring I am signed up for (3) days with Karen Stone, an old friend - looking forward to a hoot!