Are You The First Born In Your Family?

 As I mentioned in previous posts,

Sharon Schamber's lecture was as interesting to me

as her most AMAZING quilts.

 At the beginning of her presentation, Sharon shared with us a personal observation 

she has made about women who become quilters.

She noted that the majority of women who quilt 

are usually the oldest child in their family.

 At first, I didn't put a lot of stock in her comment.

 Then she asked 

with a show of hands

how many in the room were 

the first born?

 There were about 60 women 

gathered in the room

for our Phoenix Modern Quilt Guild Meeting.

 As I looked around

I would guess that at least 50 

of those 60 women

raised their hands!

 Really!

I was quite surprised to see so many raise their hands.

Sharon on the other hand, just nodded her head

expecting such a response.

 She said

"Women who are drawn to quilting 

are often 

Alpha Women,

who are Intelligent

"Take Charge" kind of women.

 In the study of personality traits of Birth Order

First Borns are usually the Alpha.

 First borns are the leaders,

who tend to be reliable,

conscientious, and 

perfectionists.

 Christy, who is a member of our guild

is Sharon's oldest child.

 Sharon teased "Sometimes the Alpha female 

can be considered somewhat bossy" :)

 But, they play an essential and 

very needed role 

in keeping things 

organized and

moving forward.

Without our Alphas

we would probably still be sitting in a cave.

 So, I ask you:

Are You the First Born in Your Family?

 I'm taking my own personal poll

and am curious to see your response.

I am the exception to this quilting norm.

 I am the youngest in my family

and am quite content

being the Beta in the group

who would rather follow.

 But, I have sat on several 

Quilt Guild boards.

 And from my personal experience

I can tell you that the board rooms

are full of Alpha women!

Very interesting discussions indeed!

My thanks to Christy for inviting her mother

to come and share her beautiful quilts with us.

I learned so much!

And thank you Sharon 

for your very interesting insights.