dforesee

I made all of my daughter's dresses, mostly smocked, until she was 10 years old (now 24). I have always loved quilts and saved all of the scraps from those dresses so I could "some day learn how to make a quilt." I assumed "some day" would come when I retired from work. However, "some day" came early. Eight years ago, after learning I had breast cancer and in the midst of taking 5 months off work due to weakened immune system from treatments, I met a lady who was part of a Thursday afternoon quilting group that had met for 50 years. As soon as she found out I was interested in quilting, she took me under her wing, brought me into the group, and the rest is history. My first quilt, made from all of my daughter's little girl fabrics was made by the "Improved Nine Patch" pattern. Looking back now, I am thankful for beautiful memories that came from a difficult time in my life... just a testimony of how God works things out for our good. I had to leave that beloved quilting group when I went back to work, but I still quilt with the lady who brought me in every Friday night. I have made many, many quilts since 2002 and often think how glad I am that I did not wait until retirement age (still 15 years away) to get started.

nitakhoops

I started quilting when I had one of 3 foot surgeries and had to stay off my feet for weeks at a time. I pieced the quilts prior to surgery and then hand quilted when I was sitting in my chair for hours at a time and couldn't walk. I then expanded my interest and now women in the church group have joined me in making 40X60 inch comfort quilts for the people living in nursing homes. :lol:

bmanley

My grandmother quilted because she had to in those days. My mother didn't have time since she raised 8 children. I am the only one of 4 girls that started quilting several years ago. My mother in law quilted and I caught the bug from her really I guess. I am not by any means a good piecer or quilter but I trully enjoy it. It just is relaxing and I have to have something to either piece or quilt when I sit down. I truly enjoy this quilting board and have learned so much by the tutuorials. :)

catrancher

I always wanted to learn. When I quit working, I took a class; and the rest, as they say, is history.

kirksmom

I started quilting when my son passed away. I needed something to keep my mind off what had happened. The first one I did, was a quilt that I sewed by hand. I gave it to my grandson,(his Dad was our son). He still has it and he loves it and is proud that his grandma made it for him.

lbc

My sister-in-law got me hooked on quilting when I retired in Sept of 2005. I have since made about 25 quilts of varying sizes (the largest being a queen size), numerous pillow cases, pillows, baby bibs, potholders, coasters, etc. etc. It has been fun, relaxing and has enabled me to be a bit creative. I have also made some wonderful new friends.

mrsk

Finally another 4-H'er! I just knew their had to be at least one other in this group! I started sewing in 4-H at age 10, and have loved sewing ever since, but not quilting, in fact I watched my mother put together so many quilts, for family and friends, and velvet &silk crazy quilt pillows, I swore I would never quilt as she did most every stitch by hand. I HATE hand sewing. But much like some other of this crowd saw a few TV shows and decided I could machine quilt and have only put together a few, but am now working on finishing a quilt my mother must have started and never finished years ago(I wish I had found it before she passed to ask her)..I hope I'll be able to finish it for her, it certainly brings back memories of her at the frame...

bob1414

I also taught myself how to "sew" during 4-H but didn't mention it since the question was about quilting. I enjoyed my 4-H days!!!

mrsk

Loved! 4-H & kinda regret not being able to get my kids to join. But they r more sports people, and we couldn't manage both!

Ellie'sNana

I have always admired the colors and patterns of quilts. The coziness of a well-quilted quilt has always appealed to me - made me want to curl up in just about every quilt I saw. And the obvious skill it takes to make one challenged me and continues to do so today. I've been a wanna be quilter for many years and have made a few quilts over the last 5 years. Still admiring, still appealing, and will always be challenged by the skill and the talent.