I quilt because I want a padded house rather than need to be in a padded room. Yes, quilting is good therapy and I just love the way it feels to be all cuddled up in a quilt!

When I was younger, I used to sew some of my clothes, I love sewing!!! Then later I was given some material samples and wondered what I was going to do with it... I sew some pictures of quilts, living in Switzerland at the time, it wasn't really something that was "in" in those years, for them it was some "american ideas".... :) so I decided I would try it out, of course without a pattern - where would I have found one....??? - just doing squares and triangles and making some little blankets to put on the floor for babies to lay or sit on. The wadding was just old blankets... :(
Then when I moved to Australia, I noticed a patchwork/quilting class not too far from where I live and joined and since then I just about LOVE making patchwork things for friends and family and for charity. It gives me peace - in this crazy world... - and fills my time with coordinating fabric, colors, patterns, etc... My housework has been suffering a bit since....but who cares!!! :)

I also just enjoy making things, knitting, crochet, soaping, sewing, clay and now quilting. Its super satisfying for me to make something for either family and friends or myself, and I work from home creatively too for a living. Couldn't live without it or I'd go stir crazy.

To avoid housekeeping.

Because it's something I can do well that not many people can.

Because I love cutting and sewing with the fabrics I have chosen, to make something wonderful.

I remember when I was too little to actually make anything much yet, but I had an intense longing to make something nevertheless. I took scrap bits of wood from around my Daddy's saw and tried to nail them together to make a sailboat. I just wanted to make something, anything, and didn't quite have the skill yet. Not long after that I started making doll clothes by wrapping bits of rags around the dolls and pinning the ends. I was born wired to make things and clothe people. The desire was there long before I had the skill to do anything with it. By the time I was 10 I dug out a sewing machine that I had never seen my mother use in all my life, and began to thread it by following the diagrams in the manual. That sewing machine gave me 'wings'!

I have always been a crafter of some sort as well. Sewing as a child along with just about every other type of needlecraft along the way. Quilting gives me the ability to do machine sewing and hand quilting. I get to play with my machine as well as do hand work. Plus there is something utilitarian at the end unlike most of the needlepoint and cross stitch I have done for years.

I started making clothes for myself at about 12 or 13 years old. I asked the lady next door who was a retired seamstress to show me how to read and cut out a pattern. Haven't stopped sewing since. I still have my Home and careers apron I made from 7th grade 40 years ago. Since then, I've done pretty much a little of everything including a prom dress and two Irish dance dresses and several quilts. Sewing is my quiet retreat and there's no better feeling when someone compliments something and I say, "I made it". I enjoy making special little unique gifts for friends and family (those I think will appreciate it) and have managed to win some awards at our county fair in various categories . I can't wait to retire someday to devout many more hours to bigger and better projects. My dream would be to get a big long arm and make those gorgeous quilts I see on this board. I love to draw feathers and designs but have not really tried sewing them yet. No time right now, sad to say but this quilting board keeps me inspired and there's a mental database building up for all the projects I want to do when I have more time. Being on the this quilt board keeps me in the game, even when I'm not ready to sit down and focus on a starting project.

Quilting has always been my "sanity saver" as I always had a busy sometimes even stressful job. It was always so soothing to relax by playing with some fabric and doing some stitching. I started working with fabric and thread when I was five, long before my mother thought I should even be thinking of touching needles. An elderly lady from our church would invite me over for "tea" and we'd sip and stitch. By the time I was nine, I could handle my mom's featherweight expertly and I started making clothes for myself and my sisters and finally my mom. At sixteen I started to quilt to use up all the scraps that my clothing construction had created. Of course, this many years later I still have scraps but have made dozens and dozens of quilts. I tell my husband that at least it keeps me off the streets and out of the bars!

I am a 3rd gen quilter and my granddaughters have each made quilts. I like using colors and the creative process. I paint also, so using colors is a process I enjoy.

I am a third generation quiltmaker. When my kids were babies and on up till they were ready to leave home I made a lot of their clothing. When I ran out of kids I just naturally gravitated to quilting. My mother and I constantly talked on the phone discussing what quilt we were making and how to solve quilting problems. It was a social outlet for both of us, hers teaching and mine learning. I made quilts for all the grandkids, great grandkids and nieces and nephews. It is a hobby, a creative outlet, an opportunity to try new methods and a satisfying way to spend time, to challenge my mind and I enjoy the stacks of finished quilts to show for my efforts.

When I was first married back in 1972, my mother bought me a sewing machine and told me to learn. I found I could follow a pattern!! Later when I remarried and had children my second husband use to tell everyone that when I needed to think about something that was bothering me I would sew...when I was mad or upset I would cook. Both help me use my creative side. I've made dolls, pumpkins, witches, Santa's, all for craft shows over the years, along with a few quilts for family members. Now all I want to do is sew quilt tops. Just a creative outlet for me.

I'm with Neesie. I love creating things. And my DH is creative too, so we support each other's "habits".

I sew and quilt because it is cheaper than going to therapy!!! :)

I used to do cross stitch for about 17 years. They are cute, but once they are finished, they just hang on the wall. I quilt to keep people, (including myself) warm. When I give a quilt away, it makes me feel good that I have made something pretty that is also functional.

I like to make things. Usually things I make are given as gifts or used in my home. It's my way of being an 'artist.'

I like to create and make useful items from the creations. Not the greatest at it, but love trying most things. Quilting is a wonderful way to make beautiful things without talent such as painting.

I love fabric! Nothing is more therapeutic than putting together colors and patterns to make something useful. I made clothes for my children and myself years ago but I love the freedom that comes with quilting. And no sleeves to cut and 'ease' into the bodice. You can get wild and crazy with fabric, or be very precise with appliqué . Quilting can fit your mood and all the while you are working with beautiful color.

"to keep from going crazy" - direct quote from my late mother

I simply don't like whatever is in the stores. I resent designers telling me what I "have to have"
I learned to change patterns around for clothes - if I want a different neckline or sleeve, I change it, I color block. I can also digitize embroidery.

Same goes for quilting. I get into some trouble there with technique since no one else does it that way and don't think I should even try it. (I've since found programs that do the math for you) Also run into problems with colors. The ones I like aren't available in a certain year.

This is why I don't subscribe to any quilting magazines. I'll buy one in the store only if it has a good tutorial for a technique I want to learn.

BTW - There is an app for Android called Block Tool. It does yardage for traditional blocks in several sizes.

I needed a hobby for when I retired. I started with classes well before retiring and have learned the quilting community is made up of very nice people. I stay quite busy now that I'm retired.

Susan

I can relate to all that everyone said! It's like gardening, starting from seed and seeing your creation blossom!

I started sewing garments as a child and then sewed them when I was young so that I could afford to have nice clothes. Now, it's a passion and a creative outlet. I no longer sew basic clothing (too boring) but I love to make interesting jackets and tops. Using piecing techniques and embellishment gives me great satisfaction.

I've loved sewing since I was a child. Creating any kind of crafty thing makes me happy.

I've always done crafty stuff. I enjoy creating things, and the process too. Now quilting is my therapy, and I like seeing my creations enjoyed by others too. :)

Sewing
 

sewing relaxes me and I like the style of clothes you can't buy anymore. I like to make quilts as gifts to my family

I'm the 1st in the family to be a quilter, I have 1 daughter who shares this passion and we retreat once a year together. I grew up crocheting, embroidering and sewing for me and my family, never dreamed about the old ladies that quilt! Art was my passion and then stained glass when I retired. After we moved to Idaho a friend invited me to join her at a guild meeting, I was hooked, had no idea what I was about to get into. My glass sits abandoned in it's room and my stash of material. patterns, and tools grows daily. I love to see my projects grow into finished quilts, when they don't turn into UFO's. The friends I've made in quilting are amazing women, this will be a life long love for for me.

It grounds me to my past heritage. Just like weesie in Steel Magnolias who grew tomatoes. LOL! I like all the home arts, decorating, gardening, preserving foods, crafting and sewing are skills all women should have to be able to "keep" house. The bonus being, it is fun and satisfying. All of it!

Back in 2000 I was going to be laid up from foot surgery for 12 weeks so happened to stop by JoAnne's and saw the Viking embroidery machines. Decided something like that would be nice to spend my idle time with so got the 1+. Within a week I decided I liked it but wanted a larger hoop so traded this machine in for the Designer 1. Then got started with some classes given at JoAnne's and met up with some really nice ladies. We became friends and later they got me started on quilting. Its only escalated since then. I now have another embroidery machine, 2 sergers and a quilt machine. I use the Designer 1 for regular sewing, the Babylock for embroidery, sergers for clothing items and of course the quilt machine for quilting. I have my entire basement for my sewing studio and I'm down here most everyday if the gardens aren't calling my name. Am I saving money, heck no but I'm off the streets and out of trouble..........lol.

I quilt because it's creative, peaceful, challenging, social, useful, provides great gift ideas, and enjoyable. I never would've expected to pick up sewing of any sort as an interest, till I retired. A machine, a quilt class, and a new lifestyle began. Being creative has been a lifelong passion in different forms. I'd rotate my interests every 2-3 years. But, quilting is now in it's 8th year with no sign of letting up. My stash is always a step ahead of me (or a few 'blocks' ahead).

Well, you see, there is this little micro-bug that sneaks up on you and whispers in your ear "Try it, Go on, Try it." Then you make a nice little quilt for your sisters grandbaby, and you think "oh, that was neat, maybe I will try a larger pattern" and the next thing you know you are dealing with scrap boxes, and stash, and cutters, and rulers and a new sewing machine that doesn't work a bit better than the old one, and it just goes on and on, and you have so much fun you can't stop.

Reasons to sew
 

[QUOTE=bearisgray;6776674]At one time, it may have been to save money -

But it sure is not that way now!

I think I started out sewing in an attempt to get things to fit the way I wanted them to. (And that was when I still had a whistle-worthy body!) I didn't succeed very well at that - but I did learn a few things along the way.
Hi bearisgray,I think I started to quilt because I was a frustrated painter,just not good enough,but I loved fabric, the feel and the colours.Didn't put needle to cloth until I was fifty years old,now cant live without it.Letty x

I think sewing/quilting sooths my soul. My Mom taught me to do embroidery when I was 6, starting with a simple pot holder kit from the 5 and 10 cent store. Then she helped me transfer embroidery patterns onto pillowcases, and I did embroidery off and on for years. Mom also taught me to sew simple box pleated skirts, and in high school I took Home Economics for 2 years, where I learned how to read patterns and how not to put in a zipper, although my Home Ec. teacher taught me the right way to put in a zipper. In high school and for years later I made all my own clothes, then when I had my kids I made clothes for them as well, especially fancy dresses for my daughter. I progressed to sewing crafts, making cloth dolls and selling them, as well as doll clothes. After trying ceramics, crocheting, knitting and counted cross stitch I discovered quilts, and discovered my passion. When planning a family reunion, I asked my sister and brothers to send fabric and I made the first family reunion quilt, which my oldest brother won. After that, I made a quilt for every bi-annual reunion, choosing different colors each time, then I make the quilt and it's raffled off and has become the highlight of the reunions. My family looks forward to seeing what I have done with the fabric they sent and the competition is spirited to see who wins the quilt. I also make smaller wall quilts, placemats, table runners, quilted bags and an assortment of other quilted items which I sell at craft fairs so I can make my "mad money" to support my "fabric habit". Quilting keeps me sane, keeps me calm in times of stress and loss, it makes me happy and that's why I quilt.

my mother taught me to sew at such an early age i don't even remember when. i had my own sewing machine at the age of 5. a singer "hand-me-down" from my grandmother. we made virtually all my clothes until i went out into the world on my own.

i tried to continue garment sewing but once i had to work for a living, there wasn't time. then, as the cost of patterns, material, and notions got continuously higher, i couldn't afford to make my own clothes.

about 15 years ago i stumbled across an episode of Simply Quilts. even though my mother and i never made quilts, it struck me as the perfect way to reconnect to my mom (who had passed away several years earlier) and the memories of our sewing together.

i enjoy the art of quilting for its own sake, but i especially treasure those moments when i can feel my mother watching. :)

We had our kitchen re-done about six years ago, which then led me to want to improve the other rooms, so I spent the next four years sampling colors and painting. I loved working with and learning about color. That led to a need for new curtains. When I saw the cost of custom-made curtains (!), I knew that was out of the question, so got a book on window treatments and made them myself. I absolutely loved working with fabric and color. One day, organizing the basement, I saw all the 1/4 yd. pieces I'd used to audition fabrics for one of the bedrooms, and thought, 'Hmm, those all look so nice together.' So I started getting books on quilting from the library. When I saw the pictures of quilts, I knew that's what I wanted to do. Color, and fabric, and endless possibilities!

I started out making doll clothes as a child. I was the only girl in a family of 4 and there were no other girls near my age on our block. One little girl, also named Mary, spent the summer with her grandparents who lived on our block. Her mother actually worked outside of their home in the 50's and 60's. She and I spent the whole summer together playing with and sewing for our dolls. My parents ran a florist business out of our home and my father actually also worked a fulltime job. He worked second shift and when he wasn't doing flower arranging or delivering his creations we had to be quiet so that he could sleep. My mother, who had actually majored in Home Economics before she was forced by economic circumstances to drop out of college, owned a Featherweight machine which she purchased in 1935. She brought it with her to Maryland when she met and married my father. They met when he was stationed in her hometown during WWII. He brought her to "civilization" in Maryland after they were married. She was in for "sticker shock". Not only did my Dad have an elderly English father for her to care for. Their honeymoon cottage had no indoor facilities. Luckily for them his "rich uncle" for whom he had been named actually existed. He helped them purchase a much bigger house with indoor plumbing. The only drawback was it cost more than he was willing to donate. In order for my parents to afford it they rented out the second floor as an apartment. As luck would have it the "full bath" was on the second floor. As a child we bathed in a metal wash tub or in the crude shower in the unfinished basement. I was twelve years old before my parents were able to afford the whole house. The lady who lived in that apartment was kind enough to show me how to hand sew as my mother didn't have time. I am basically a self taught quilter. My biggest goal is to get finished. I usually hand quilt bed size items. The only thing I machine quilt are the 20 or so Linus quilts I make each month. I do as little piecing as possible. To me it is the quilting that makes it a quilt not trying to see how I can drive myself crazy sewing together smaller and smaller pieces of fabric. I love panels and whole cloth. I also enjoy purchasing and handling fabric.

I made my first dress at nine years old and found I liked to sew. My DM and DGM had always sewn and I loved being around them while they sewed. My DH and I had only been married a year when he was sent on his first overseas tour for a year. I was lost for a way to spend my time so I bought my 401A and started my real sewing and found I loved it. I have always loved to create and love colors and art so quilting became a very wonderful time in my life when I finished my first quilt. I was hooked and still am. I don't sew so much for myself anymore but love making pretty things for my DGD's.

My mother was a seamstress, and even worked in sewing factories. She made all my clothes when I was growing up, but couldn't seem to keep in mind that the clothes she made for my sisters weren't stylish for me, since my sisters were both more than 20 years older than me. Since I was brutally made fun of over my clothes, I developed a knee-jerk reaction to anything even remotely related to sewing.

My mother was also an artist and painted many pictures. She even painted a larger than life picture of the "Good Shepherd" on the front wall of our church. I could never paint like she did, but she could be working on a painting and say, "It's missing something, but I don't know what it is". I could look at the painting and immediately tell her what was needed, even though I couldn't actually do it myself.

When a friend of mine from work started a quilting group, I joined just to support her. I told them the first night that I closest I come to sewing is the cross stitch...I get cross every time I look a needle in the eye! LOL! But here I am, 4 1/2 years later and still quilting!

I think for me, quilting sorta combines my mother's talents. I can sew, plus it gives me the opportunity to use the artistic eye I have to create something beautiful. And I don't have to wear anything ugly to do it! LOL!

Donna

I sew and quilt as a form of relaxation. Also to keep the bordums away. It gives me great pleasure to make something.

Sewing and quilting is relaxing to me. My Mother always sewed so I learned how to sew in Junior High and High School. It wasn't until after I was married a few years that I saw a Quilt in a Day class offered at a local store. I went to that class and the rest is history. I was hooked on quilting and have been making quilts and collecting fabric since the early 1980's. It's very enjoyable and I like everything about it--the fabrics, the colors, the finished quilts, etc. It's also a productive hobby and I have given away many quilts through the years as gifts. I also make charity quilts for our local hospitals. Quilting is a very rewarding hobby and I have also met many wonderful people as a result of quilting.

I learned to sew as a pre-teen. I made all my clothes in high school. For many years I would spend the summer sewing school clothes for the kids.
Now I quilt because I love to make things and I love fabrics.
I also am into repairing and restoring old sewing machines. Just find sewing and repairing a relaxing way to spend my time in this hectic world.