seazteddy

I remember taking a quilt class in the 70's and made a sampler wall hanging, which I still have on my wall in my sewing room, but I didn't follow up til 2000 and made a quilt for my sister which was ghastly. I got the pattern from Family Circle or good housekeeping, how to make a quilt in a weekend. I thought they were beautiful but I could never do that. Then I found a group of quilters and I was hooked. I now have so many quilts that I donate most of my quilts, if I can part with them.

carolaug

I think all of the free videos and instructions and this board has really helped! I would not be quilting if not for all three. I just wish it was not so expensive for the materials. Sad its cheaper to buy a premade one vs making a new one.

Briarberry

I'm just guessing but maybe it's because there are so many baby boomers out there who have retired and quilting is such a great hobby. Sure a lot of young people quilt too but when I go to quilt shows most of the folks there are older and they are the ones with the time and money. I am nearing retirement and fairly new to quilting but I am so glad I found such a great hobby. I used to worry what I would do once I retired but now I can see myself happily quilting with no interruptions like going to work! For now I just quilt when I can and am grateful for all the great advice and support I get on this board.

Pat625

I think you answered your question..When you met a group of quilters!! I don't think it has grown for any other reason than the people who are involved are the greatest bunch of people I have ever met. It was the friendliness and helpfulness of a quilter that kept me interested long enough to get hooked. Even people we meet with virtually on this board are wonderful and make the hobby so much more inviting.

teddysmom

I think it's because of all the resources we have available on the internet. This board is a wonderful example of help that is available without ever leaving home! Quilting groups and guilds seem to be on the rise because women are wanting to have more "girlfriend" time with other quilters.

117becca

I"ve always done something in my free time. In my younger days, it was counted cross-stitch and for the last 15 yrs, it's been quilting. It is wonderful therapy! I'm currently working on a quilt for a friend that was made w/ Walmart fabrics - and it's cute!! So, people can use the cheaper fabrics. It does take a different eye to put fabrics together because those fabrics aren't put together like collections you find in quilt stores.

And yes, being older, I do have more disposable money for my habit.

joyce888

I remember saying to my dentist back 5 or 6 years ago that I had taken up quilting and his response was that the craft was so outdated. I was quite surprised and thought was this something I was getting in on the tail end and would not continue. But it's like every year the craft has grown and I think the popularity is due to the fabric choices we have today. When I first started I thought I had to use those tiny little prints and colors that were muted. Today those have almost been eradicated from my stash. We have a plethora of styles, colors, and quilt patterns that appeal to almost every person - quilter or not. And yes I very much agree that Utube, Internet, and many other social medias have been a tremendous boost to quilting.

SouthPStitches

Maybe because it can be so personally satisfying. Also, such a myriad of choices for fabrics, books, thread, machines, notions. No matter where you live, if you have a computer, there isn't anything that isn't available to you in the form of product sourcing, teaching, friendship of like minded quilters, etc. It's a wonderful time to be a quilter. To paraphrase "we all need to believe in something....believe I'll buy some more fabric".

qwkslver

I think I would have told him if someone didn't keep up with the "outdated" stuff the younger generation would be completely lost to any meaningful activities and history. Then I'd find a new dentist.

mpspeedy

I have been sewing since I was a preteen. The great part about quilting compared to garmet sewing etc. is that there is no fitting involved. I have done my share of garmet sewing over the years. The most recent big project I did in that regard was the dresses for the two flower girls and the junior bridesmaid in my daughter's wedding. I also have made plenty of curtins etc. I make at least 20 Linus quilts a month. Quilting allows me to enjoy choosing fabrics and working with them without the pressure of what it will look like on a person's body. The Linus quilts allow me to work with childish prints that my grandchildren have long outgrown. I don't personally need another quilt in my home so making them for others allows me to pursue my hobby.