Hey, I hope you don’t mind another guy in your ranks. I’m Steve (really!), a soon to be fifty-one year old who is just taking up quilting. My other interests are cooking and baking anything (except croissants), composing, playing classical guitar, lutes and the vihuela, reading, book collecting, writing both short stories and poetry, and of course the best hobby of all, friends and family. I pick up new things every few years to keep my mind going and quilting is the last to jump on board, though I’ve truly been interested since I was given my first quilt at 2 ½ years old.

I just got my new Janome and am learning to sew as I go. It seems fairly straight forward, but a lot is sinking in through trial and error. The first quilt top is nearing completion and already the ideas are forming for the next. What I’d like to do is add a few new things each time as I do the baby quilts so that by the time I get to the bigger projects I’ll be somewhat prepared. One funny sideline is I realized this morning that all the baby and smaller quilts are for boys. I had hoped to do something for a little girl’s room, but that will have to be a little larger since my niece is nearly as tall as I am!

Leslee (from the group) is a work buddy who has been kind enough to guide me along the way. She’s an ever-patient soul who seems most comfortable behind a needle and thread. Her ability to teach is nothing short of remarkable since we mostly just talk about the process and problems. Between her and my mother I’ve got instructions and inspiration a plenty. My grandmother on my father’s side was an expert seamstress, though my mom’s mother managed a needle well too.

I’ll probably be asking a lot of questions. The more the merrier I always figure and that includes opinions. If quilting is half as fun as it’s been already, I’ve a new hobby for life. Glad to have found the group (thanks Leslee).

Steve welcome to our crazy family. It's nice to have another guy in here to give Tim a break. I'm new to quilting myself but once the quilt bug bit it bit really hard. I work full time so I don't get to spend as much time on my quilts as I would like. So far I have made 3 baby quilts, two queen size, 3 rag quilts and am working on my 3rd queen size. Like you I have lots of quilts in my head that I'm wanting to get started on. I'm 41 years old, married to a great guy and have two stepsons. I live in central Missouri. Again welcome to our family and please post pics. We all love to see the talent of others.

Hi Steve,welcome and a big hello from New Zealand. Is great to have another bloke around here, I'm sure Tim will appreciate the company. Have admired Leslees' Hawian quilt, wish I could have seen it in the flesh too.

Welcome to the world of quilting, you're going to have a blast. Just a thought though, has anyone warned you about just how er addictive it can be :lol:

Yes, and I understand quilting material should indeed come with its own warning label, something like:

Warning, this hobby contains addictive properties that are known to consume both time and money. :D

I also am new to this forum. I have been making quilts for 25 years, but they were all tied, I am going to try to actually hand quilt one soon. I made an irish chain queen size quilt for my daughter this past Christmas. I haven't been able to do much this year with quilting, as I have been dealing with breast cancer. But now that chemo is over, and I am getting my strength back, I hope to get started again.
Deb

Welcome redrummy to our wacky family. So sorry to hear about your cancer. You will be in my prayers. Hope that you can soon get back to your quilting. Please download some pics of your quilts to share.

Well a big HOWDY to both of you, Steve and Redrummy! glad you both joined in on the fun. We have lots of it here and love to share. Pop in and give us a holler any ol' time. :D

Welcome Steve! You are so lucky to have Leslee to be your teacher and friend, and so many other wonderful talented women in your life to inspire and support you in your new-found passion! I can tell you're gonna be good at this. :)

And welcome to you too redrummy. I'm so sorry to hear that you've been dealing with breast cancer. My good thoughts and prayers go out to you. It's good to hear that you'll be feeling better and stronger now. And I hope that quilting can be a part of your recovery. Blessings and best of luck to you. :)

“I have a question...what is a "vihuela"? I'm guessing a stringed musical instrument, since you put it in there with the lute & guitar…”

Yes zyxquilts, it’s an ancient stringed instrument, here’s a link explaining it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vihuela

Hi redrummy, glad you’re doing better and quilting. I adore the Irish chain you’ve posted, is it the one you mentioned? I’ve always admired the double chain and hope to do one soon.