I am a long term knitter [and lots of other kinds of stitchery] who started at age 8; now, age 63. I currently belong to two different local knitting groups and it is great mental health, in addition to being great encouragement. My knitting has gotten a lot faster since doing more or less constantly for the last five plus years with the groups. My gauge has loosened up in the process too - a big surprise when I measured a gauge swatch about a year ago. Jan 2010.
I am involved in a group at the Senior Center and I have become the resident teacher, kind of by default. Last four years[2007-2010] at county and state fairs, I've won bunches of ribbons for my needlework-even some Best of Show/Judges Choice ribbons.