|
I think quilting meets people's needs and desires on so many levels. The need to be creative-so many varied ways with quilting, the desire to give gifts that are very personal both for the giver and receiver, the practicality and usability of what we make, and the ability to help others and provide comfort and physical needs with what we make. With the tools and resources available each person's abilities and tastes are easily met and there is a broad spectrum of affordability for everyone. In short there's something for everybody's interests, desires and wallets! Can't say that about most creative options.
|
Originally Posted by Briarberry
(Post 5379228)
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.
|
I have always loved fabrics even when I was a child and watched my Mother sew. She didn't make quilts but I loved watching her "create". None of my friends quilt but all own a quilt or two. I just have always loved color and the texture of fabrics.
|
I agree with mpspeedy, in that there is no fitting to be done in quilting as there is in garment sewing, and that is a plus for sure. I once read that when the economy is bad, home crafting picks up. I don't know if that is true, but it kind of makes sense in a way, because if you have that creative gene, you might be inclined to use it during hard times, as a release, whether it is personal burdens or something broader you are dealing with. I knew a woman who had never made a quilt until she lost her 17 year old son. A friend introduced her to quilting hoping it would help her through her grief. She started making quilts, one after the other, and made them for many years until her death at age 90. She always said quilting saved her life. Her friends would bring her pretty fabric to keep her busy, knowing how much her quilting helped her.
|
Originally Posted by mpspeedy
(Post 5379401)
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.
|
Everything changed with the invention of the rotary cutter. Prior there were no dedicated quilt shops, or specalized machines and feet.
Cutting a quilt with templates took sooo long... ! |
I agree with all of the thoughts here! The kindness and friendliness of quilters is amazing! I just walk into a fabric store and see ladies picking out this bolt and that bolt and I connect! It's much more relaxing than any kind of tailoring work which I use to do for my family. Kinda feel guilty that I pretend I can't do it anymore!! And the availability of books, fabrics, ect. is endless. Others who don't quilt are usually delighted and excited to receive any gift I make.
It's such a HAPPY craft and so relaxing :) ! |
I have sewed since I was a teenager. I spent 10 years making smocked dresses for my granddaughter. Now that she is older, I needed a new hobby. I don't know anyone here who quilts so it is this board, youTube, Craftsy lessons, etc. that keep me quilting. I love it! Also, I learn something new here every day. Thanks all of you!
|
I think 99% of us want to be creative in some way and quilting is certainly one of the ways to express ones self creatively. Everything goes around again and again and quilting had never really died, just slowed down and now it is going strong again. So many simply techniques replacing the more difficult ways of old of putting a pattern together may have something to do with it and of course the fabric choices are endless.
Sharing this craft with others is very satisfying and to give the beautiful works of art to others brings a great deal of joy. It is very satisfying on all levels. I love it. |
A great question and love reading all the responses!
It is so exciting to see so many people, young, old and MEN too who quilt. The internet has really helped I think cuz of all the resources, free video tutorials and free patterns, help from quilt boards like this. I just wish I had started quilting at an earlier age but guess things happen in life for a reason. I also didn't have the time till I was semi-retired, and now retired. I've never been a sewer, definitely NOT by hand and used my sewing machine for mending. Didn't have the patience for making clothes, found that out when I took a sewing class that came with my new Kenmore machine hubby got me after we got married 41 yrs ago. First time I had to rip and redo I quit, LOL. Dum dum but hey I was only 20. Now I can't get my 3 adult girls to sew, maybe one day. But I am delighted to make place mats, mug rugs and quilts for them. Oh and I agree that quilting is ART. And hey we have to indulge our addiction to fabric shopping, so it is also good for us psychologically, right? |
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:55 AM. |