I learned how to quilt in the late 70's at an adult enrichment class. We learned how to make our own templates out of cardboard, tracing around the template shapes on the wrong side of the fabrics with a #2 pencil and cutting out each piece with scissors. My first two quilts were all hand pieced and hand quilted.
Batik fabrics definitely changed the look and appeal of quilting. Also, the introduction of paper piecing. Being able to share ideas, pictures, etc. with other like-minded people on social media such as here on Quilting Board, also FaceBook, MSQC, Quilt Haven. Buying and sourcing fabrics. patterns and notions online via Etsy, eBay, and many, many others. Just when you think there couldn't be another latest and greatest, there always seems to be.