As the pound is quite strong against the dollar at the moment it is actually cheaper for me to subscribe to an American/Canadian quilt magazine than a UK one.
So, any recommendations? I'm looking for something with lots of ideas and projects, from beginner level up. Something easy to read and more on the traditional side of quilting rather than the modern abstract stuff, I have seen a cope of Fons & Porter before and liked that a lot, anythign else on the market that's similar?
morag
If I had to keep just one magazine, it would probably be Quilters Newsletter. It's the one I've been getting the longest and the one I've made the most quilts from. I also like American Patchwork and Quilting.
L>As the pound is quite strong against the dollar at the moment it is actually
Well, it depends on what quiltin' level you're on. Some are so painfully beginner that I think the average beginner gets frustrated with'em.
I like, personally, American Patchwork & Quilting. They're a bit of a mix, level-wise, and usually have both applique (which I'm a loon for) and piecing - even some foundation piecing tossed in occasionally for good measure. And I love their articles (spotlighting a fabric or quilt designer each issue), tips and other departments.
Next I would choose Quiltmaker. It, too, has a good mix, though the applique is usually done in a "series quilt" and more complicated. It may take a year to finish the quilt - and if you happen to jump in in the middle, you're stuck unless you buy the back issues. The pieced quilts are usually pretty simple, IMHO.
I like Quilter's Newsletter, too, but it's usually heavier on the eye candy than it is on the actual patterns. Also, it has more "intellectual" articles ... I think last issue was about 4 patterns and about 7 articles on topics ranging from recording your quilts, to miniatures and their history (?), and somethin' about a Berks County quilt auction.
McCalls, IMHO (no offense to anyone here) is a bit on the too-easy side. They seem to recycle patterns - just usin' new colorways - which to me, is just a hard sell on new fabric lines.
Quilter's Home, a new magazine for the "new age" quilter is probably the one that I'd recommend the least ... most of it's articles on what license plates to put on your car, what the fella Mark (the editor/owner?) is up to and what his staff thinks about him ... only about 3 patterns (SUPER easy patterns that you can find online) in each issue.
Now, see, I tend to rant on this subject ... not enough NEW stuff and idea out there, I think. And to me, most magazines are usually just excuses to sell more fabric ... I mean, a nine-patch is a nine-patch is a nine-patch - I don't need to spend $30 a year (for one subscription) just see how that nine-patch looks in the new fabric lines.
But even though I complain and whine, I have subs to nearly all the mags above (except QH - it's THAT silly to me!!) ... and that's my take on'em.
As for findin' one like Fons & Porter, you'd have to get F&P ... no one else that I've seen is like'em. They're a little bit folksy and a little bit cutesy, a little bit o'everything. Most mags seem to find a more defined niche - unlike F&P. They do all equally well. I just wish their issues would have more applique patterns! Then they'd be PERFECT!! :-)
Just my 2 pennies ... I'll bet that this topic ends up bein' a riotious one! I doubt most people think the same about somethin' as "personal" as magazine choices!! :-)
I think you're absolutely right - it's hugely a matter of personal taste as to which magazine "suits" you best. It's quite hard to get hold of American mags over here, Borders bookstores carry them but they're about £4.50 ($9) each and that's a bit steep! I have only ever seen one issue of F&P but liked the mix of different ideas and patterns - I know exactly what you mean about some magazines only trying to sell more fabric (which is the last thing I need right now).
looking for lots of opinions, so let (magazine) battle commence!
Morag
Yep, much like fabric ... some people crave the repros, whilst others just can't stand'em!
WOW! That's really expensive ... yep, if I were you, I'd strike whilst the iron was hot. Though I feel a bit guilty sayin' this: take advantage of ya'll's edge over the dollar whilst you can!!
Though (and I feel even guiltier about sayin' THIS) I don't think it's likely to change anytime soon. Ya'll's pound has always been stronger if memory serves me rightly.
That's what "gets" me most ... I mean, you've got Coca Cola sellin' their t-shirt with their logo printed all bold and brassy on the front. So in essence, YOU'RE payin' THEM for their advertisin'.
To me, that's what the magazines are doin' - yep, you get a "free" pattern and ideas out of it, but you're still essentially gettin' sold to. And you're payin'em for the privilege!! And seein' as how most of the patterns are ones that have been 'round since Carrie Hall's days, they're not showin' you anythin' all THAT new other than the colorways - and mayhap a few setting/block combo ideas.
Tally-ho!!! I'll be over here, drinkin' a coca cola, watchin' from the sidelines! I think I've opened my yapper enough! If I haven't completely lodged my foot betwixt my jaws as is, I'll count myself lucky! ;-)
As my momma says: " 'Nuff said!" :-)
I've always had a subscription to QNM, but honestly, I don't think their "new look" suits them much. Mayhap I'm just set in my ways and resistin' change, but I liked the old QNM better.
Is it just me, or have they lightened up some on the patterns???
AP&Q is my current favorite ... they just seem to have such a nice mix of everything ... and no series quilts that you have to find back issues to so's you can finish'em if you foundered in in the middle!!
I have been a long time QNM subscriber. I enjoy their articles and patterns. They seem to cover a wide range of techniques and patterns and the activities of the world wide quilting community are covered. But I will also give a plug for Fons and Porters magazine too. I believe they have raised their quality in the last year or so. They are having more and more nationally known teachers and designers contribute to the content and it has improved the magazine considerably. I thought they were trying to do too much themselves for a long time.....and I suppose I can see why. It takes a while for a magazine to get up and running and profitable enough to pay the outside sources.
Hi Morag, I have subscribed to American Patchwork & Quilting since it began and it is one that I enjoy (they were the only ones to take the Canadian dollar at par which saved $$ when the exchange was poor) - also their new website is also worth logging into for ideas and other colourways to their patterns, etc. Fons & Porter mags - I will pick up at the store when there is something inside that interests me - again, they have a newsletter and an interesting website with previews for the upcoming mag - that might give you an idea about whether to subscribe or not. The last year was an anniversary year for them and I found that the mags were chock-a-block with useful patterns (for me anyway) - I made a weaver fever quilt top from one of their magazines so that saved the cost of buying that particular pattern. I also receive Quiltmaker by subscription now - the exchange rate made it a good deal. I made the "Shambles" wallhanging from that magazine.
Another thought about subscribing to American Patchwork from their website (allpeoplequilt.com) is that they have a 2yr deal for using the internet - Fons&Porter don't give any breaks on postage or taxes and want US funds.
Whichever magazine you decide to take a subscription on, it is always a warm feeling when the mag is waiting in the mailbox! jennellh
My long-time favorite is Quilters Newsletter, and I look forward to getting it each month. I've tried the Fons and Porter mag, QuiltMaker, McCall's and a few others and just can't seem to enjoy them as much. Perhaps that's because I'm not looking for a zillion patterns each year; I do enjoy reading the articles about what's going on in the quilting world and various techniques.
The only other one I get regularly is American Quilter, which is part of the membership to AQS. I like this one, too, enough to keep renewing.
Kathyl: Your assessment of F&P is right on the mark. It HAS upgraded over the last ten months or so.
QNM, meantime has lost some of its unique flavor. I can't put my finger on it, but there is something lacking now. I am dropping that after about 20 years.
Actually, I am letting several (all my) quilting magazine subscriptions lapse. I may pick up F&P again if the guild gets a bargain package deal.
PAT
KJ wrote:
I'd maybe wait for another couple of issues of QNM, I'm not particularly familiar with it pre new look, but the new look issue was frustrating, there were a lot of new columns, all with just introductions to them, I think they have potential though.
Anne
Well, now I've been a subscriber since the late 90s and it seemed that back then ... they just had more substance. Now it looks like they're just tryin' to look new and flashy. The "Q" in the departments also kind of annoys me, though I can't 'splain quite why.
The old look, though, was pretty singular. There really wasn't a magazine that had the same ... feel, to it. It just felt like an authority on quilts - it was more serious and ... timeless. Now it just feels like it's tryin' to be like all the other magazines.
Like I said, I think I'm just resistant to change. Once I like somethin' I like it the way it is ... and it bugs me havin' to get used to a new look and new "theme."
I agree ... back in the older days, it seemed (like another poster said) that they, the two of'em, were tryin' to do too much all on their own. Now that they've brought in some "new blood" it seems as though they're a bit more settled. They've definitely grown and matured as a magazine and a "brand."
Yep, I agree .. back in the "old days" it just seemed more .... substantive. It was different and it stood out ... now it just seems to be doin' it's best to blend in with the new stuff.
Oooh ... our guild doesn't offer anythin' like that! Lucky you!!! :-)
Our guild has a deal where you can renew or start a F&P subscription and the guild gets half of the price. Currently I get QNM (and have for years and years), F&P (on and off a few times, but it has improved), McCalls (letting it drop), American Patchwork and Quilting (a charter member, so I have ALL the issues....the compulsive in my can't let it drop because I have ALL of them!!! ), Quilting Arts, and American Quilter that comes as a membership with AQS. Oh my, that is quite a few now that I see them listed. Uh oh.
Hi Morag
Several posters have recommended QNM and Quiltmaker. Just my input and unsolicited advice here: MI subscribed to both these mags for a 1 year period and while the mags are fine, the delivery/mailing/service is NOT. I had to claim/report missing issues just about every other month. So, while the mags are fine, I decided not to renew my subscriptions for that reason, pitiful overseas shipping.
I currently subscribe to Quilter Magazine and I love it!
Claudia
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