I started making quilts about 4 years ago. I never had time and space until then, with teenagers and housework, a job etc.
I first got the bug when I wandered into a quilt shop in Southern California about 12 years ago. I couldn't believe how much the quilts were on consignment for! (I had no idea handmade things would be so valuable to other than the maker.) And then it occurred to me how absolutely creative I could be in quiltmaking. Any pattern, any fabrics... what an outlet for my artistic energies!
Also, I knew after taking that beginning quilt class that this was a good way for me to become more disciplined. Accuracy is everything in quiltmaking, isn't it? I would have to give up being "sketchy" in my art, and make the straight lines I hated in drafting class.
Anyway, I absolutely love finding the right fabrics and patterns, and that urgency to make the next quilt. Usually it becomes a treasured gift for someone in the family.
A healthy obsession, if you ask me!