So much for cutting back on quilting
 

Well, about a year ago I came to the conclusion that at almost 80 years old (in 2 months) I was going to pretty much give up quilting. Now 2 barn quilts and 3 lap quilts later, I have to say I didn't do well in cutting back. Will try again this year.
Although I did sell my white featherweight sewing machine and got a good price for it. That made me happy.

Why are you giving up quilting? It seems like you enjoy it so I'm a bit mystified as to why you would think you had to give it up.

Well, about a year ago I came to the conclusion that at almost 80 years old (in 2 months) I was going to pretty much give up quilting.

How on earth did you come to that conclusion?

Why am I giving up quilting. Well I am just not as sharp as I used to be. If I am making a quilt I have to stop and think now how do I do that? Little things like that. Plus I have about 25 quilts to figure out what to do with them. I have been giving them as gifts to people I know would appreciate them.

Karamarie, if you still enjoy quilting, please don't give it up. I just turned 80, and it's occupations like quilting that help keep us mentally sharp. So what if you have a pile of quilts. You can donate them when the time comes that you can't store them any more. Or your kids or executors can. Everything slows down as we age, but we have to keep going, even if we encounter a few hiccups along the way. Besides, it's 17 degrees here outside of Minneapolis right now. What else could we be doing?

I hope you find another outlet to keep your thinking and skills going.
I don't have anyone in mind when I make a quilt. I have them folded and stacked on a bench in my foyer. I hang a lot of them on my front porch. The kids know they can choose any quilt they like to take home or give to someone. My daughters usually wrap up quilts for employee's Christmas exchange. Everyone wants them to draw their name. LOL I donate many to guild community service. I donated a lot of small quilts to a church nursery. So many uses for my quilts that for sure are not made perfect and maybe made slower then I use to make them.

I love what you do with your quilts! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Is there a guild nearby that you can join and share your expertise? Can you become a quilt mentor instead of an active quilter? I hear you say you aren't as sharp as you used to be. It seems that stopping to figure something out is keeping your mind active, so my opinion is to keep using it! Quilts all find a home eventually.

I am turning 81 on Jan. 1 and am not giving up quilting! I am trying to use the few bits and pieces of fabric I have. But I do buy yardage for a special project. I have never had a "stash" as such. The worst thing people of our age can do is give up things - especially pleasurable ones, just because. I still go to the gym, still walk, am not sedentary. Of course I am not 20 anymore either, so take that all into account. We need to keep all parts moving and active, and if there are ailments involved, take them into account. I don't have anything keeping me from doing all that I want.

I totally agree. Since I'm semi-retired now, I have joined a couple of quilting groups and do more dog walking and socializing with my neighbors. Keeping active is the key, I think. Am I as sharp as I used to be when I tailored my own suits? No, definitely not. Do I have to stop and think how to do some things? Most definitely, but I'm not going to let that stop me from doing something I enjoy. It keeps my mind and body active and I so enjoy it. Why would I stop?