theothermarion wrote:
I've tried inviting her, but she just says that it is not her thing. She's invited me to play bingo, and I tell her that it's not my thing--I can't handle the cigarette smoke.

I quilt for me, like the old saying, "This, I do for me!". I would worry about the guy who said he'd never retire cause he would be too bored. How sad is that! People who have no hobbies, pastimes, or passions, have no idea what they are missing. They just don't get it, & probably never will! I love it, & have a very supportive DH, who is quite an artist in his own right, so he even helps me with color & design on my quilts. Sometimes, too much, lol, but mostly when I ask for help. To me it's a passion, & if some days, I don't have the patience for it, then I stay away for a bit, till it all comes back, in full force!

I have brought handwork to doctors' waiting rooms, and it opens a lot of conversations! People start actually talking to me and to each other. Especially when my Dad was in ICU and I could only see him for 20 minutes every two hours. A lot of people said that they could never do that, and I always answered that I thought that about myself until I tried it.

Nancy in STL: why don't you invite your bored friend to some kind of class, a new thing you could do together? Just a thought.

Nancy, I think your comment: Only boring people get bored. Should be in the QUOTES forum. The statement is oh so true. Betty Ann

Now that I can relate to!

I was complaining to my hubby about being tired, and he said I should take a day and kick back and not do anything, including sewing. I told him that would not be relaxing for me, I would be stressed beyond words. Even just watching TV without handwork is a stress for me. Hubby doesn't have a hobby, and doesn't understand that quilting is my passion, and my therapy! But at least he humors me and brags about my stuff. He just doesn't understand!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

I hear you! I have two passions - quilting and painting. I put about equal time into both. I'm never bored. When people see one of my quilts or a watercolor I've done, the comment is always - "How talented. I wish I could do that." They then go back to shopping, gabbing, or whatever they do - and I think, how boring. To each their own.

Sounds like sour grapes to me. I think only boring people get bored.

A friend retired about a year ago and retirement does not agree with her because she has no hobbies. When I asked her if she was passionate about anything she said, "No". Her idea of fun is going to play bingo. That's not my idea of fun at all! I suggested that she get a hobby, but nothing seems to interest her. It's difficult for me to understand how a person could have no interests or passions.

Hobbies connect you with people who have similar interests. It gives you something interesting to talk about to those who do not share your hobby. Passion gives you patience for your hobby.

Quilting is more than just a hobby for me. It is a passion, such that it's often the first thing I think of when I wake up each morning. Maybe it's an obsession.

I have had similar conversations with people at my work. They have also made the comment about needing a lot of patience, to which I also reply that I like quilting so it's not patience but passion. Many of them also don't have hobbies or outside interests. The ones who do can understand my joy in quilting.

I once read a column in the old Threads magazine about a woman who went to someone's house and saw many beautiful handmade things- doilies, linens, wall hangings, etc. She said "when do you have the time to do all of these, and so well too?" the reply was "oh, I don't make these-- I see them and buy them". It seems that we are in the category of people who when we see something, we think "I can make that" and actually want to. The other category is those who buy them already made!

I think it's genetic, at least it is in my case!
Kathy

I usually have some sort of hand project going that I take with me when I'm out. You never know when you are going to have to wait somewhere. A lot of times I get the comment, "You must have a lot of patience to do that." My reply is usually, "I do this because I don't have a lot of patience. I don't like to wait and this gives me something to do."

I usually hear "I could never do that" and I say--I could teach you. Most times, ends the conversation. When I was interview this week the journalist saw my quilt and said, "this is kinda like mostly art". Yep, it's an art.

Last time somebody couldn't understand why I made quilts as a hobby and asked, I said with a straight face: 'Well, it was a very difficult decision. It was either quilting or marathon running.' (I'm in my late 50s and rather large) We then all burst out laughing.

There are a lot of people who have hobbies that I don't get. Golf to me is a supreme waste of time. But if that is what floats their boat then good on them. Most non-quilters are not aware that we support a multi-billion dollar industry world wide. Take pride in being part of that group and enlighten others about your passion. At least when we are done with a days quilting we don't have aching feet, sore backs and skin cancer. Please no comments from golfers! Some of my best friends are golfers just not for me. Betty Ann in Golf Crazy Florida

Why feel defensive? To be involved in ANY hobby, especially a creative one, enriches our lives in so many ways. Having my quilting, gardening and music, I still envy those who can paint and sing. (Also classical guitar). Don't ever seek approval of others.