Like many of you, I sewed all my life. Much more than my Sister ever did. A coworker of hers taught her to quilt. She told me if she could do that then I could. Made sense to me. The rest is history. Best times are when we can get together to quilt whether on the same project or separate

I wanted to make a comfort quilt to send to a friend who got breast cancer. I enjoyed making her quilt so much that I was hooked. So in the end, I gave her a small gift but she gave me a huge one.

I love to learn how to do stuff. I've learned soap-making (I have very dry skin and was looking for a soap that wouldn't dry it out and heard cold processed soap was great) , chain mail, embroidery, tole painting, oil painting, crochet, etc... I've always loved fabric. I'd buy some and had no idea what to do with it, I just loved handling it. So this summer, I figured it was time to learn to sew. Well, after a bunch of skirts and shirts and such, what to do? I was going to be overrun with clothing in no time. So I thought quilting would channel my sewing into something creative and useful. Plus it makes me feel closer to my grandmother who has passed away. She was a quilter.

I caught "the bug" from coworkers who quilted. We did a friendship block swap quilt which was fun. After retirement, first made a t-shirt quilt and then really "got serious." Twenty years into it, am still learning.

I sewed clothes for my daughters when they were young and did a lot of handstitching, embroidery, crewel, needlepoint. I hand quilted (if that's what it could be called) a length of fabric matching what my DD was using in her nursery. By that time, my hands were becoming so crippled by arthritis that I could no longer hold a needle. My DD suggested I try machine quilting. So that's what I've been doing for the past 19 years. It's becoming more difficult, but I'll enjoy working with beautiful fabrics and colors as long as my hands hold up.

My DGGM taught me to do crewel an embroidery by hand when I was young and also crochet. No sewers/quilters in our family. I taught my self how to sew back in the 70's and made some of my clothes, then made clothes for my daughter until she wanted to sit on my lap while I sewed. Didn't sew for 25 years and then jumped in and made drapery panels for our bedroom. I tried hand quilting years ago but didn't enjoy it so cross stitched instead. I think I got interested in quilting when I saw the newer, modern patterns. As I debated about retiring and knowing I needed a hobby to satisfy my creative side, I decided to quilt and decided to give my quilts to those in need as a way of giving back. Retired 1 1/2 yrs ago, bought a new machine (Juki F00), fabrics, made a strip quilt and fell in love with quilting. I keep saying I'm going to take a class on quilting so I can learn more. HA.

I started making tied quilts when I was 10-11 years old the first one was a crazy quilt to use up scraps my mother had been saving (if it was over an inch square she saved it). these were fun and functional my first pieced quilt was "Stairway to Paris". I am now 67 so that was awhile ago now I do pieced blocks and hand quilt. Nothing special but it keeps me off the streets as they say.

I took a class at our local Joann's on making the Log Cabin. I had two grandsons graduating from High School that spring and decided it would make a neat gift. When my first grandson was born a seasoned grandmother gave me some sage advice - " Remember, what ever you do for this child, you need to do for all the others that follow."
Little did I know that we would have 15 grandchildren - 8 down, 7 to go. I love to see the joy when they get them.
Love quilting. I have made 3 wall hangings for DH with the grands and greats on them and a " Michigan" quilt.
What a wonderful way to spend my retirement.

I have sewn since I was ten. In 1999 I took a quilt class with my DDL. Two grandsons were graduating that spring and the "Log Cabin" quilt seemed like a good gift. Little did I know that there would be 13 more grand kids. So far 8 quilts have been made with 7 to go. Love putting all my love into them. Quilting is a wonderful way to spend my retirement.
I have made DH 3 wall hangings with the kids photos at different ages. I made him a "Michigan" quilt that is my proudest work.

My mother gave me sewing phobia and I almost flunked the sewing portion of home economics. I saw very few quilts in my early life so there was no connection there. When I was in my early 30's my 6 year old son pulled a horrible looking quilt top out of a box at a flea market and asked if he could have it. We paid $1.00 and took it home. I bought a roll of batting in a bag and yarn from Walmart, found a flannel sheet and together we tied the quilt. Miraculously the top stayed together when washed it. The quilt was dubbed the ugly quilt and when someone was sick they took the quilt with them to bed. That got me started on quilting. It was a rough, tear-stained road for the first few years. I quickly learned I didn't want to hand stitch because I was to impatient. DH bought me a sewing machine and I struggled to find my way. I am so very glad I didn't give up! Even after 30 years I tell people who ask if I'll make them a quilt that I can't create what they would expect because I am not a great seamstress. I recently finished the first quilt that I would show another quilter. Quilting is my only craft activity. I quilt as an expression of my soul, because it makes me happy and I love the process.

I have been sewing since high school when I made clothes for myself, my sisters, and my mother and father. After retiring, I spent every spare minute smocking and making garments for my granddaughter. By the time I was 75, my granddaughter was getting too old for the smocked dresses. I needed a new hobby. I decided to try quilting. Now, five years later, I am truly addicted. If I have as much as 5 minutes of free time, I am in my sewing room. I love being able to give beautiful quilts to my friends. Recently, my daughter adopted her three foster children. Now I have three new granddaughters for whom I can make quilts. Quilting is my favorite hobby ever! By the way, most of what I know about quilting, I learned here. Thanks to everyone who contributes to the Quilting Board.

I've been sewing for 35 years and I always thought a quilt had to be made by hand. When I found out you could make one with a sewing machine from start to finish I was in. I couldn't wait to get started and this board was the best place to learn how to make a nice quilt.

Way, way back in the early internet days (Prodigy/GEnie--- anybody remember?) I accidentally stumbled into a group of really cool people. The nicest, most caring, friendly, welcoming -- go figure -- they were quilters! So I decided I had to try my hand at quilting just so I could be a part of such a great group. Just piddled a bit back then... block exchanges (mine poorly done but no one ever complained), fabric swaps. Then GEnie sold the board and the group split up. I didn't try quilting again for quite a few years, but I had caught the bug. And you know what? Quilters are still the nicest, most caring, friendly and welcoming folks ever.

My DM and DGM thread crocheted, sewed, and did whatever the seasonal craft was. Anyone remember shellaciking pictures on boards? I sewed in Girl Scouts and 4H, sewed some clothes in HS, made my first quilt during my senior year. It was a baby quilt for my nephew. I traced coloring book pages with a transfer pencil, colored them with crayons, ironed it to set it, then tied it. Made my first full size quilt for my best friend in the early 90's. It was a friendship quilt. I am currently working on the Charming Addition pattern for my math teacher niece.

Woman's Day magazine had an article on making a quilt in one weekend! Ha-Ha! And that was my very first quilt I made, but it took me longer than a weekend. It was a quilt as you go log cabin and I was so excited to make it. That was in the late 70's. I had been sewing clothes for my sister & myself since I was 12 and loved it. I made a bedspread (lined) and matching pinch pleat lined ceiling to floor, full width of the wall drapes for my bedroom at age 16. My Mom was a fabulous sewer, but never did a quilt. By the time I did my first quilt, I had two small children. I did make another quilt out of leftover fabric from dressmaking. I didn't make another quilt until the 90's. Made two queen sized quilts - one for my sister and one for our bed. Also made a twin size quilt for my mother after she went into a nursing home. Didn't make anymore until the early 2000's. Only did a few baby quilts, but the bug bit me really hard in 2010 and now I just can't stop!! I love the creativity of it all. Sewing has always been very relaxing for me, but quilting is even more so. Whether it's a small project or a large one, I'm in love with quilting!

I took up quilting just as my last child left home. I used a book of "Teach yourself to Quilt" that was a sampler. It had applique, piecing, and even some English Paper Piecing (I think). To this day I have not finished hand quilting that quilt. I was definitely hooked.

Thank you to all who have shared their stories. I have enjoyed reading them all. I love all the history, in families and starting young. I've done most everything you all have shared, but the quilting starting sitting in the hospital waiting for babies to be born as a nurse midwife. I still enjoy hand applique and hand quilting, but have learned the machine side as well and now love the machine embroidery piece. Now that I have moved, memberships in local quilting guilds have helped me make new friends and find new sewing challenges.

My Mom and 4 H taught me garment and home dec sewing, fast forward to the '80's when my sister was having my niece. I made her a bonnet, dress and coordinating baby quilt. Fast forward again to my grandson's 3rd birthday, and a room with a fish theme and my second quilt was a fishy wall hanging! Haven't stopped since, absolutely love it! My grandmother was a quilter, wish I had started when she was still with us, but my Mom was thrilled I was picking up the torch!

I've sewn since I was 5 or 6. Started watching my mom make t-shirts for my uncle, brother and myself and I had to try - they weren't pretty but they got done and I got better. Learned to crochet while I was down with the chicken pox. Made most of my shirts through Jr. High, High School and College and then moved into my first very own place. Couldn't afford drapes and tablecloths, so I learned to make them with fabric from thrift stores and clearance tables. Always helped my Great-Grandparents with quilts when they watched us - cutting scraps or burying knots and clipping threads and then being trusted with actually assembling blocks.
I've since done upholstery, drapery, bedding, and any other home dec you can think of as well as dressmaking, tailoring and made my own tuxedo.
Started my first quilt in the mid 80's, a lone star, and put it away once 6 of the 8 points were done...finished it in 91 and haven't stopped since.

people have been piecing and quilting with machines since they were invented over 150 years ago. Why o why does this snobbery still exists. Both techniques are judged separately in a show. Why do quilters "judge" so harshly. Family portraits used to be painted! Lol! Hand piece if you want to...not my idea of sanity!
Sandy

I joined a Women's club and became friends with a few ladies that belonged to a quilt guild. They invited me to visit their guild. I told them I haven't sewn since high school home economics class, 30+ years ago. I declined their invitations a few times...until one day after bumping into 2 ladies the day of the guild meeting, I said, yes! I won the door prize at the meeting...a quilt pattern. Fast forward 6 years later and I am a quilter!:)

I was lucky to have a generous sister who got me hooked on quilting..Started me off with fabric and tips.

similarly to Ekuw, I took Home Economics 30+ years ago then life got in the way, married young, raised two boys and worked full-time for the State of California.... When I moved to Maine about 6 years ago... and the winters being what they are (especially the last few) I rescued an old Pfaff from my storage and there you have it. I have to add that all the new gadgets (rotary cutters, mats and rulers) are a far cry from what I remembered quilting of 30 years ago.

thank you all for sharing!

I learned to sew in junior high school, my grandmother was a dressmaker back in the day in the sweatshops of New York City. I have made my own clothes, learned embroidery, crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, crewel, and counted cross stitch. I then got interested in quilting and love to see the different colors of fabric and patterns coming together as with counted cross stitch and other crafts. I am a self-taught quilter, but hope to take a class some day. Still working full time. Been doing grandmother's flower garden hand piecing since 2009 with 1930s reproduction fabric and find it good therapy and relaxing. Also trying to machine quilt as well - seems it's all a process like everything else. Recently got a brand new Babylock Soprano sewing machine which I am really excited to have and try my projects on. I love all the different fabrics and colors but especially 1930s and civil war fabrics.

I started sewing because most designers have their heads on wrong. Couldn't find snap crotch pants for a long legged infant who needed longer than 18 mo. Then couldn't find clothes that didn't make her look like a pocket teen well before her time. She danced and skated and that meant costumes. I'm still designing nightgowns for her. I learned to make a tulip sleeve which she likes.

I still make most curtains and household items. If I could find decent percale or sheeting, I'd make all that, too.
I normally don't like the current crop of colors. That's the one nice thing about quilting. Someone will have older bolts, discounted or not in the colors you do want. You can also adjust the sizes if you want more drape at the top or sides of a quilt.

As for quality - I made all the sweatshirts in the family for years. There are some that are over 20 years old that have not ripped, faded, come apart at the seams, nor shrunk halfway up the back.

I have always worked with all kinds of crafts, sewing, knitting, needlework. At work one day a friend was hand piecing blocks. I watched her and we talked. I pickup a quilt kit that was cut and ready to sew. I brought blocks to work and worked on them at lunch. When I travel for my job, I would take blocks with me to hand piece while waiting for planes of meetings. When I retired, the bug really hit. I love quilting and like making quilts for friends and love ones.

My mom was a seamstress who made all of my clothes. While I could never master her art, I found the steps to creating a quilt were more fascinating and more in my "comfort zone". Even during those times when I'm not actively creating a quilt, I find much comfort just being in my home quilt studio.

Love reading this thread. I've learned most of what I know about quilting from this board.
I've been sewing since I was about 10 years old. At high school age, I made clothes for myself, my dolls, my sisters, and my sisters' friends.
I wanted to crochet that beautiful doily. It said, "Not for beginners." I got it done.
I wanted to learn to tat. I learned it from the book, and have made hundreds of snowflakes.
When I married, I got the wooden bushel basket full of the scraps from my past sewing. While milking cows, I would think about that pile of scraps, trying to figure out how to put them together into a quilt. After a few weeks of thinking about it, I started sewing them together. Just sew two together, add another, add another, etc. I ended up with an elephant. But I finished it. I didn't know you need to make blocks out of those scraps and sew them together. I had just one big piece. And every seam was sewn over with a decorative stitch in black. That was about 1970.
I've learned a lot since then! ! ! !

I read the book "The Quilter's Apprentice" by Jennifer Chiaverini. I chose it for our bookclub the next time it was my turn to choose a book. The people in that book sounded so appealing, and I wanted to be a part of that.

I checked out "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Quilting" and "Quilting for Dummies" from the library and learned from there. All kinds of designs popped into my head. I got out some graph paper and designed my first quilt. It was completed on my 59th birthday in 2010. It took a year to finish. I still haven't learned how to follow a pattern... mostly because the terminology is foreign to me, and I have enough designs roaming around in my head to keep me busy.

This was my reasoning also - Ha if I had just saved and bought that one quilt! However, I so enjoy it and can't imagine my life without it and I have met so many good quilty friends

For me it's sort of a family legacy. Both of my grandmothers were avid quilters - very different styles but they were both very prolific and generous with their creations. My whole family grew up surrounded by handmade quilts. Both of my grandmothers died (coincidentally just a couple months apart) when I was in my early 20's, and nobody else in the family was a quilter, so that was "lost" to our family. Six years later, my sister got pregnant and I was determined that her baby would have a handmade quilt, so I fired up all my memories of what I'd seen my grandmothers do over the years and made her son a quilt. I made a thousand and one mistakes, but I got it made and now her son is nearly 15 and the quilt is still (mostly) intact, so I guess I didn't do TOO bad.

I still didn't really get into quilting but that put the idea in the back of my head. Four years later my niece was born, and I made my 2nd quilt, and that got me more interested in it. I started gathering fabrics to make a quilt for myself and started piecing it together...that quilt took me 3 years to finish! That third quilt seemed to be the one that got me hooked, though - I started watching YouTube videos and buying modern quilting supplies (my first 3 quilts were made with scissors and cardboard templates because that's what gran did!) and reading quilting blogs and books...and the rest is history!

Now I've been entrusted with my late grandmother's handmade dresses - my aunt saved them all these years and has asked me to make them into quilts for the family. Thirty floral dresses, and my gran was not a small lady so there is a lot of fabric there! My gran had 8 children - I think I have enough fabric to make a good sized throw quilt for all 7 of my aunt & uncles. The 8th quilt would be for my dad, but he has passed away...I've decided that if there's enough fabric for an 8th quilt I will make it and keep it for myself, maybe to eventually pass along to my niece or nephew if they're interested when they're older.

I have always done some type of sewing and crafts: made my own clothes starting in 7th grade, macrame, cross stitch, you name it. Took a quilting class shortly after we got married, but with a family, didn't have much time to devote to hand sewing. Made several wall hangings and quilted them by hand. Hated the hand quilting, but liked other hand work like embroidery, cross stitch and smocking. It was when I realized you could quilt by machine, that my quilting took off. We purchased our retirement house in the middle of the recession and then my DH decided he really needed to work a few more years, so I lived in a new community M-F not knowing anyone but had all the household items, including my sewing machine! There was no turning back.

that sounds like me! I also wanted a home made quilt and knew I couldn't afford to buy one, so I started to attend guild meetings and made my first quilt. I have so many quilts now that I'm trying make them only for family members.

Wanted a handmade quilt. Couldn't afford to buy one.

My dear grandma Helen who learned to sew during the depression, taught me to make clothes without a pattern. I sewed like that for years, until I bought my first pattern. What a revelation! I could make a dress that was not an old fashioned shirtwaist style! I made most of my DD's clothing and mine. In 1990 I had a stroke at 32 years old. I had a wonderful neighbor who decided to start me on a GFG quilt by hand to help with my eye hand coordination issues. I made it into a lined tablecloth for her, but the "bug" had come home to roost. I have been making quilts ever since.

I wanted something to do after the kids had gone to bed. My hubby was overseas in Japan for 6 months with USMC.
I already made clothes and other things, started sewing when I was 9.
Almost 30 years later I'm still making quilts.

I started years ago when I was pregnant with my second daughter...something to pass the time, keep me busy during the day as we had one car and my Husband had it with him at work all day. :)

I had always loved sewing & saw an Eleanor Burns show on TV one day. I made a log cabin quilt top, then we sold our home & moved to Florida in an RV. I had back surgery and continued to work until I just couldn't handle the pain any more. My doctor put me out of work. A few months later I found cancer and had to endure chemo for 6 months. A dear friend brought me a bunch of fabric she didn't want and as soon as I got enough strength to go through it, I chose some pieces to make a quilt with and ended up having so much fun, I made two quilts at the same time!! The second one became my granddaughter's Christmas present with a large pillow to match that I made from the extra blocks! What can I say... I had so much fun making the quilt blocks, I just couldn't stop!! LOL! I haven't stopped yet. It makes me feel productive even though I can't do things the way I used to & I have to keep moving or I seize up.