I wonder how much of the "no men" thing is a hang over from times gone by... when men did man things and women did all the rest! ;-) I wonder if it was done that way so that women could support each other, and discuss things without fear of retribution. In older times women had it pretty hard.

As for now, absolutely men have a place. My partner is colourblind, a fact I regularly forget when I ask his opinion! LOL But he has learned not to comment on the colour, and instead he'll say things like "excellent points there", or "did you rush that bit", etc. I value his opinion, he makes things with his hands for a living and has a great eye for proportions, etc.

It is sad how many of us are alone. I have been teaching myself over the years. My first quilt was inspired by two colors for a dress That I was making. When I finished the top I had to call every one I knew and they called their friends to find someone to show me how to put the back on and tie. A family member finally came forward to help.
Chrissy B

Eddie, in fact you are now the second Eddie on this board, welcome. I sure value a man's opinon. I ask my husband all the time for his. In fact I do not know why more men don't quilt, especially since men seem to enjoy building. Quilting is so like that I think. Plus it is so relaxing.

I quilt quietly by myself and laugh when I hear people make comments about quilting being a "lost art" and how "no one ever quilts anyone". If only they knew what a large community of quilters there are out here! My daughter is 8 years old and I've been trying to get her interested. I hope she'll be my sidekick before too long. My only other quilting friend lives in another state but we share our creations via email. And of course I have the many new friends on this quilting board to encourage and help me out!