My friend Charlie has been quilting for almost 10 years. He took a sewing class, and no one objected. He was accepted well. Everyone worked well together. His experience has been all the quilt shops he has visted have been polite and helpful. Most of them ask him what type of quilting equipment he uses.

mimi42,
from Northern IL

Hi Chris! I worked in a quilt shop for a few years and to be honest with you I enjoyed the men quilters when they came in. Men are some of the best quilters out there - you look at patterns differently and can usually come up with an easier way to do it and the color combinations that men use are usually dynamic. Stick with it and find a "friendly" store to work with....they will enjoy your company when they get to know you I'm sure.

Our third male quilter joined our guild tonight. They are out there!

HI Chris....being a male quilter I have been looked at oddly but I seem to just but right in and force them to help me if I need help. My wife and I have an in-home quilting business and I have been quilting for over 15 yrs. I make tops she does the quilting machine and I do the bindings. I belong to a quilting guild and the women have been pretty astonished that I seem to do better work or just as good as they do..the woman who heads our guild teaches free classes at our library. After seeeing my work and watching me work she has asked me to teach some classes that she could learn from me...so keep on trying and don't get discouraged, when you want something bad enough you have to persist. I don't get a cold shoulder from LQS in my area, if I did I'd probably ignore it. I love this board and spend way too much time here..Time I need to be quilting lol...Good Luck to you, Chris I wish you were a bit closer I'd sure help you I have taught many to quilt here in my home. I am 35 miles south east of Louisville, Kentucky, but I know that still probably too far from you.

I think this is a great idea!

Chris,
I also am a male quilter, belong to three quilt guilds (am on the board of one), and have taught in my LQS. Of course I get odd looks sometimes, but just let it roll off me. MOST quilters are great people (women and men), but as in every field of endeavor there are a few clueless people. My advice to anyone is don't patronize any LQS with poor service and don't join any guild that makes you feel excluded. I know in many places that means no store and no guild, but why make yourself unhappy. Be active in an on-line group (like this one) and try to meet others in your community who quilt (at fairs, shows, etc). Believe me when I say you will find others (including women) who feel the same exclusion that you do at your LQS.

This sounds like a great idea. It might be a bit of a novelty, but once they get the class started, and when you explain your difficulty with the written instructions, I'm sure somebody would avail herself to assist you, as needed. My Mom once asked if she could "audit" a class. I believe she paid the fee, but just watched and listened, rather than actually making the project.

is there a votech nearby? they may offer quilting classes. i know at least one of ours does (oklahoma is a little far for you to come though!)

Sounds like you have a huge amount of help response here on this list. When you said you had some problems with being able to follow directions due to a med you must take it rang loud and clear to me. I have a grown daughter who has been on meds that gave her similar issues. Her glitches are more with verbal directions so writing things down for her is helpful to her. I would say we are still learning ways to do a work around when she hits a glitch. I bet you will do well with demonstrations for the quilting information you want to learn. Things she has done hands on stick with her better than things she hears or reads only. Let people know you have a glitch and what would help, then they will rise to the occasion to help you in a way that works best for you.

I'm sorry your local shops weren't more responsive. Keep reaching out for quilters that just enjoy sharing our favorite hobby and ongoing learning. I'd be happy to help you in any way I can.

Sorry you had the problem in New England. I am fron Dracut, MA and go to a couple of quilt shops that welcome males! Also, there are 3 men in one of the guilds I belong to. One is 78 yrs young and just joined this month. He quilted a long time ago and recently took it up again. His show and tell of a soft yellow and green stack and whack that was ALL DONE BY HAND - PIECEING AND QUILTING - was absolutely gorgeous! SO DON'T GIVE UP. Try to find a friendlier shop and/or guild. And of course, you will get plenty of help here! Good luck and WELCOME!