Quiltingboard Forums - Hello from North Carolina

:D I am a newbie too!! I found this board while doing a search for the Alto Quilt Cutter and found SSSOOOOOO much more.
:D I have been crafting/sewing for 40 of my (as of next week) 48 years. I had my real first sewing machine (a green Singer in a standing cabinet) when I was 7.
:D I do quilting, cross-stitch, general sewing, costume/clothing sewing, and crocheting. In the last couple of years my focus has shifted from my cross-stitching to mostly quilting. I have made several quilts for friends, lots for gifts and a few for me - like just about everyone else I know.
:D I make raffle quilts for various reasons - our local Rescue Squad, Church, Friends of the Library, the Animal Shelter and the American Boxer Club Emergency Fund. I also donate quilts for the NICU babies at our area Children's Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. Riley saved my son when he was a baby, so I always have something going for Riley. I also donate crochet baby items for the hospitals.
:D My only son is a senior at Purdue University in Indianapolis. I live with my husband and our various four-leggers in Gates County, North Carolina - northeast of Raleigh - just south of the state line from Norfolk/Virginia Beach.
:D My husband works for the Coast Guard as a contractor and is a volunteer Fireman and an EMT-Intermediate. I am an EMT-Basic and am a CERT Team Leader and volunteer/work with our county's Emergency Management Director. Basically, if anything happens in our county we know about - or are involved with it.
:D After stumbling on this board, I spent the next 4 hours reading - throughly enjoying myself - and knowing that I had to join. Another group of kindered spirits to talk to. Can't wait to get to know everyone. :thumbup: