"What made you get into quilting?"

"Isn't that an old-person hobby?"

"I couldn't do it, those are too many pieces... how do you?"

Well, quilting isn't just for "old" people, and so here is how I got into quilting.

During my childhood, I explored a variety of crafts. My mother was skilled in sewing, cross-stitching, crocheting, and even created those cringe-worthy puffy paint t-shirts that I found embarrassing as a pre-teen. She taught me how to sew, and I managed to create a few clothing pieces. However, as I transitioned into adulthood, my hobbies took a backseat due to college, work, relationships, and caring for family. I still engaged in different crafts, primarily cross-stitching, but I also ventured into jewelry making for a time, returned to sewing clothes briefly, and experimented with scrapbooking.

I struggled to find the right fit. Although I was eager to sew my own clothes, I lacked the patience to understand why the patterns didn't suit me, despite taking numerous measurements. I even attempted to create my own dress form, but the garments still didn't fit properly. Eventually, I shifted my attention to my job and woodworking, finding comfort in transforming raw wood into built-ins, bookcases, and even a clock I crafted for my dad.

As time passed, I became a proud mother to a wonderful son. I kept busy with various woodworking projects, mainly crafting toys that he might one day pass down to his own children. However, I soon realized that the blankets available for him were lacking. They were either overly fluffy or too thin, and all featured the same designs. While browsing Wal-Mart, I came across some fat quarter bundles, which inspired me to search for simple quilt tutorials on YouTube.

I ventured into the world of quilting and began following inspiring figures like Missouri Star Quilt Co and Donna from Jordan Fabrics to master the art of piecing. I experimented with my sewing machine to learn free motion quilting, while also soaking up knowledge from Angela Walters of Quilting is My Therapy. I found it refreshing that I could set my project aside and return to it without the hassle of remembering complex symbols, unlike with cross stitch, or worrying about timing between coats of stain or polyurethane in woodworking. Quilting allowed me the flexibility to stitch a few pieces, pause, and then pick up right where I left off. Even during the quilting process, I could easily start and stop as needed. This hobby turned out to be the perfect fit for a work-from-home mom with an infant!

I started making quilts using budget-friendly fabric from Wal-Mart for my initial projects, as I wanted to avoid overspending if I decided it wasn't for me. Having made that mistake before, I was cautious. Through practice, I discovered various tips and tricks that helped me finish quilts more efficiently. I gifted some to friends and family while continuing to create for myself. Eventually, I transitioned to high-quality cotton fabrics available at quilt shops nationwide. I began experimenting with various thread colors for quilting and different binding methods, which I still find challenging. I also explored several basting techniques until I found the one that suited me best.

I still occasionally engage in cross-stitch, and as my son matures, I plan to return to woodworking since I have several furniture pieces that require refinishing and I aspire to construct my own storage hutches. However, quilting will always remain a constant in my life, as I find it soothing and enjoyable, even when creating pieces for sale. As Angela Walters and others have noted, quilting is genuinely my form of therapy.