Months. Over a year. I risked losing a hand for the first 18 months or so she was here. Then she started coming to bed with me and the other cats. She chose the spot on the opposite side of my pillow from where Ootay and Tolly slept (they always slept spooned together, but in my arms.) Bibbs under the covers, on my legs (if I let her) or in the crook of my knees.
The first time I woke and found her there I was so amazed I reached out to pet her and got bit for my efforts. But gradually over time she started to allow a brief stroke. She was more willing to allow me to press my face against her rather than my hands, and that was how I first heard her purr, a very quiet thready sound. (she purrs out loud now).
It took her about three years before she got on me on the couch. Then she claimed my chest, right under my chin, forcing me to straight arm my book over me to read.