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.