Cybrarian

I think quilting meets people's needs and desires on so many levels. The need to be creative-so many varied ways with quilting, the desire to give gifts that are very personal both for the giver and receiver, the practicality and usability of what we make, and the ability to help others and provide comfort and physical needs with what we make. With the tools and resources available each person's abilities and tastes are easily met and there is a broad spectrum of affordability for everyone. In short there's something for everybody's interests, desires and wallets! Can't say that about most creative options.

tezell0801

DITTO! Same feelings ever day -working for retirement and more time to quilt.

nygal

I have always loved fabrics even when I was a child and watched my Mother sew. She didn't make quilts but I loved watching her "create". None of my friends quilt but all own a quilt or two. I just have always loved color and the texture of fabrics.

piepatch

I agree with mpspeedy, in that there is no fitting to be done in quilting as there is in garment sewing, and that is a plus for sure. I once read that when the economy is bad, home crafting picks up. I don't know if that is true, but it kind of makes sense in a way, because if you have that creative gene, you might be inclined to use it during hard times, as a release, whether it is personal burdens or something broader you are dealing with. I knew a woman who had never made a quilt until she lost her 17 year old son. A friend introduced her to quilting hoping it would help her through her grief. She started making quilts, one after the other, and made them for many years until her death at age 90. She always said quilting saved her life. Her friends would bring her pretty fabric to keep her busy, knowing how much her quilting helped her.

Digitizingqueen

Except for the fact I started sewing as a child this sounds exactly like me :-) including the bridesmaid/ joinior bridesmaid dresses

Lori S

Everything changed with the invention of the rotary cutter. Prior there were no dedicated quilt shops, or specalized machines and feet.
Cutting a quilt with templates took sooo long... !

jillnjo

I agree with all of the thoughts here! The kindness and friendliness of quilters is amazing! I just walk into a fabric store and see ladies picking out this bolt and that bolt and I connect! It's much more relaxing than any kind of tailoring work which I use to do for my family. Kinda feel guilty that I pretend I can't do it anymore!! And the availability of books, fabrics, ect. is endless. Others who don't quilt are usually delighted and excited to receive any gift I make.

It's such a HAPPY craft and so relaxing !

franc36

I have sewed since I was a teenager. I spent 10 years making smocked dresses for my granddaughter. Now that she is older, I needed a new hobby. I don't know anyone here who quilts so it is this board, youTube, Craftsy lessons, etc. that keep me quilting. I love it! Also, I learn something new here every day. Thanks all of you!

oma66

I think 99% of us want to be creative in some way and quilting is certainly one of the ways to express ones self creatively. Everything goes around again and again and quilting had never really died, just slowed down and now it is going strong again. So many simply techniques replacing the more difficult ways of old of putting a pattern together may have something to do with it and of course the fabric choices are endless.

Sharing this craft with others is very satisfying and to give the beautiful works of art to others brings a great deal of joy. It is very satisfying on all levels. I love it.

wraez

A great question and love reading all the responses!

It is so exciting to see so many people, young, old and MEN too who quilt. The internet has really helped I think cuz of all the resources, free video tutorials and free patterns, help from quilt boards like this. I just wish I had started quilting at an earlier age but guess things happen in life for a reason. I also didn't have the time till I was semi-retired, and now retired.

I've never been a sewer, definitely NOT by hand and used my sewing machine for mending. Didn't have the patience for making clothes, found that out when I took a sewing class that came with my new Kenmore machine hubby got me after we got married 41 yrs ago. First time I had to rip and redo I quit, LOL. Dum dum but hey I was only 20.

Now I can't get my 3 adult girls to sew, maybe one day. But I am delighted to make place mats, mug rugs and quilts for them.

Oh and I agree that quilting is ART. And hey we have to indulge our addiction to fabric shopping, so it is also good for us psychologically, right?