only slightly off topic: and now for the quilters....

Pretty funny. I hadn't read the Post yet from today, or really yesterday. I might actually consider this mag now. Most of the quilting mags I find too traditional for my taste. I get Quilter's Newsletter, and buy Art Quilts from time to time. But, hmmm, this is interesting - I guess I'll check out the local B&N!

Ellice

I'm always amazed by how many quilting mags there are to choose from, compared to stitching. Are there so many more quilters than stitchers? Or is quilting more accessible to people in terms of "eye candy"?

sue

I think there is more money in quilting, and that it probably has roots in the more useful and decorative as opposed to just decorative. Probably are more quilters. Who knows. Certainly when I went to AQS in Nashbille, there were more people than at ANG national. And the sales hall much greater than at the Needlework expos at national seminars.

But, I don't think there are soooo many more mags. They do have the big advertising dollars from the more big ticket items - sewing machines, furniture, etc. But, I have the same feelings with quilting mags as I do with stitching ones - I'm particular about what I'll get. I don't do the cutesy, middle-of-the-road stuff. That's just me. I guess there are a lot of magazines with multiple levels of projects and so many people seem to want to make quilts that especially the more basic ones make it accessible. Who knows.

OTOH, I'm still trying to find the quilt top that I've misplaced - which is ready to be sandwiched and quilted. Ugh.

Ellice

With absolutely no data to base this on, I think that more people are drawn to quilting than embroidery because it's somewhat familiar. Everyone has quilts, right? Plus, they might think 'how hard is it to machine stitch a straight line' and fabric is available in many places unlike embroidery patterns and supplies. In addition to the quilting magazines, which in my area are prominently placed near the check out counters in some stores, there are quilting and sewing shows on TV to further whet people's appetite.

It's somewhat of a chicken and egg situation too. As might have been said before, many of the big box craft stores have cut back on their embroidery selections making it harder to walk in and buy something off the shelf. Then they cite declining sales as justification for the cutbacks.

I think you're right. Although, I think that many people try a quilt, and then may quit, whereas I think most people who stitch, once they finish something, probably continue.

I started quilting because I'd been thinking about it. My DA had been quilting at that time for about 20 years, and after my DM passed away, my DA was after me to pick it up, that we could share the joy, so to speak. But, I'd already been really drawn to playing with fabrics, etc. For me, it's creative fun, playing with fabrics, textures, but can be faster - as I only machine piece and quilt (with very minor exceptions). Once I started, I got hooked. I think it's just sort of a good counter to all the handwork I do, although I do get tired of explaining to people at quilt things that I have plenty of other handwork, and no need, desire to do hand-quilting. Not saying I'm sloppy - I am pretty anal about habing squared up, precise seems, points, but - I love to be a bit free with them.

Ellice

I love to look at and fondle hand made quilts, but every time I tried to do it myself I got so bored with the process that I gave up before finishing, except for one purse from 25 years ago. I tried by hand and I tried by machine and found both worse then watching grass grow.

I suppose I should look up the two unfinished pieces in with my other UFO's and either give them away or throw them away.

Lucille

Speaking of quilts, there was an article in our paper about a quilter in VA who had done some rather interesting works.

Interesting. She's down in Tidewater - a good 5 hour drive from the DC area. Thanks for sharing.

Ellice