I've been trying to figure out why for a long time. Finally, the other day I paged through an issue from cover to back, looking at every single page, and I think I figured out my problem. I don't care for most of the quilts in the magazine. Whoever selects the quilts now doesn't have the magic touch, IMO. My reaction to most of the quilts was blah, and some I found not even appealing from an artistic or historical standpoint. Even the readers' section disappointed me.

I'm thinking the change in the magazine comes because it is no longer run by someone who actually loves quilting.

i find that most quilting magazines are overloaded with quilt patterns that focus more on the fabric collection they were designed around than they are the piecing pattern itself. they're fabulous sources for quick, simple quilts that present little to moderate challenge. maybe you're now in search of more complex patterns?

I have taken it for years now (about 10) and I buy it because it's almost the only USA mag available easily here. I still like it for the USA news in the quilt world, pics of the big shows, I also like the articles that I can sit and read during a tea break - it makes a change from JUST having quilt designs. I tend to agree with Patrice a little though, the quilts to make that are featured would never look the same if you couldn't get the same fabrics, but I suppose you have to work around that.
I stopped taking a UK mag because it began featuring one, if not two bags every issue, then finally announced that the following issue was going to be devoted to ALL bags. I have enough savvy to make my own if I want, so it stopped interesting me. One tote is very like another, after all.

I agree. I have stopped subscribing to them, because they seem to be all about selling certain fabric lines and the kits to go with the patterns of the quilts that are shown.

This is the reason I stopped subscribing to my (used-to-be) favorite magazines.

ranger

here's a link to an Australian website that offers a free 6-month subscription to their digital magazine.

i don't know yet if it remains free after the first 6 months.

if you need the printed pattern sheets for the quilts featured, you have to buy the printed version of the magazine. however, (1) helpful piecing diagrams and instructions are included in the articles; and (2) it's a free way to decide whether or not to need/want to purchase the print mag.

the archives go back at least 2 years, so you're really getting at least 2 years' worth of issues - not just 6.

http://www.downunderquilts-digital.c...ue110/?noli=1&

I let my subsciption run out a while ago and recently I thought what the heck I will give it another shot. I don't know if I will renew my subscription next time. They did send out a pretty indepth poll in their winter edition about likes and dislikes so I will see if it changes or not. My problem is that my interests are tradition with a little bit of modern thrown in. Their magazine is most art quilts which I really have no interest in.

Hey, me too. I having been taking Quilters Newsletter and Quiltmaker since 1984 and have all my issues. But I made a decision this year to stop Quilters Newsletter and keep Quiltmaker. The publishers were at the Long Beach International Quilt show and I had this same conversation with them.

I am finding this out about most quilting magazines out there.
I subscribed to two and it was a hit or miss whether I received the current issue.
I contacted customer service and they did send my missing issues.
I agree that they are pretty boring, bland and all the patterns are looking the same and feature a fabric line.
So, I found out that there are alot of great sites to peruse to get information and inspiration for new quilts to make.
I think I would rather spend my money on fabric!
Kirsten

Has anyone read Quilters Home with Mark Lipinski? I love it
I also subscribe to Fons and Porter.I get Quilters Newlwtter too,and I am not that thrilled with it,for all the reasons mentioned above.