I received the offer in the mail from BH&G for American Patchwork & Quilting magazine. 2 years and pay for 1 plus the free gift of 101 Expert Tips booklet. I've done a search here and found a LOT of posts saying they love this magazine.

I decided to go out on the web and check out Amazon's reviews since I DO order stuff from a lot of stuff from them.

7 reviews and 4 people gave it 5 stars, 1 person gave it 4 stars and then 1 gave it 2 and another gave it 1. I was more interested in the 2 low ratings. The person who gave it 1 star said something like just because your grandmother quilted doesn't make you an expert...refering to the editor. She said the editor needs more experience. Then the person that gave it 2 stars said...the projects seemed to be designed more for the high end sewing machines, too much applique' projects, ads
and modern looking patterns. Her review also stated too many beginner projects or seriously complex or way too contemporary. She then commented about an article from a textile designer that wasn't about quilting etc. and said..."BLEH".

All of that above to say that I am looking at all of the papers that came yesterday and I see several things I like just in those.

So...for those who DO have a subscription to this magazine...who do I believe? LOL

I love the mag, but you could buy a copy locally and decide for yourself. I subscribe based not on how many patterns I think I'll be able to use but more as inspiration for my own quilting.

I think you'll find things you like and don't like about every quilting magazine. I also use the magazine more for inspiration and to relax and see what is going on in the quilt world without being at the computer.

It's such a matter of personal opinion, there is no definitive answer.

Currently there is no quilting magazine that I really love. I buy an issue only if there is at least one quilt in it that I would actually like to make.

Buy one at a local source before buying a subscription. Over the years if Had had done that I would have saved $$$ .

Like the others said above, you'll find all sorts of different opinions both ways. I actually have started to like the magazine a bit more lately; not sure if anything major has changed.

I would be careful about reviews at Amazon. The comment about the editor just seems like someone has an "axe to grind" about something. (Maybe they keep rejecting that person's submissions and she's unhappy...) Quiltzillas are everywhere LOL!

I got the same add today, Trashed it I can not afford that much money even for a 2 year subscription. I finds tons of stuff on the internet for free.

Thanks for the info. I am going to Joann's next week to pick up a couple of small things that I need/want so I will check the magazines there. One of the things that I liked in one of the brochures was...one of their "experts" provides color options. So if you don't like the look of plain brown/tan/rust she shows you a completely different option using prints of all different colors. That's where I need the most help...selecting colors and prints that go together. Although sometimes depending on my mood I can get a little "wild" making the bags/purses.

I do know there is tons on the internet but I am from the old school I guess. I prefer getting my newspaper delivered everyday over reading it online. I prefer buying books over using a Kindle or whatever the other book readers are called. And when it comes to sewing I don't mind reading tips online but I prefer the book or magazines in my grimy little hands. lol

I've got several quilt magazine subscriptions that I'm going to let expire but that's one that I plan on keeping. I like the magazine. Everyone's opinions are different. What works for me may not work for you. With a deal like the one you have it takes the per issue price way down. Why not give it a try and decide for yourself.

My quilt subscriptions are one of the little treats I allow myself. Not every magazine is loaded with things I'll make by I look forward to getting them and they're relatively inexpensive compared to other indulgences I might have - shoes, jewelry, Starbucks every day, etc.

In the 1990's, I found every single issue of QNM and Miniature Quilts to be worthwhile. No longer. I don't subscribe to any mags anymore, though I'd like to.

I like all the magazines. For the life of me, I can't understand why folks complain that there are too many ads. I love the ads, and like to see what is new out there.
Sue

I've seen the tips book and it isn't much. You can get a lot more info on this Board!

before subscribing you should pick up a copy at a newsstand and check it out for yourself- it (fits) some and for others is not what they want ... just like with all magazines.

I just currently let mine subscription run out. But it is in my opinion a good magazine. But theres so many that I like so now I just ick them up at the store when I see a mag that interests me. I feel with subscriptions I get issues that I really dont want I would rather pay newstand price than to have an issue that I dont really want.

This is the one magazine subscription I have kept. I really do like it alot. BUT.... I have decided like many others, once current subscription runs out, not to renew. I will just but at my local grocery store WHEN and ONLY WHEN I really must have it!!!!!! I need more room for my fabric stash and not so much a magazine stash! Once I get them I can't get of rid of them... I might need it one day! ha!

that quilt magazine also has a website that you can check out. there are plenty of free patterns, previews of the current issues of their magazines and all sorts of helpful tips.

take a look at their website and see if you would be interested in their projects.

http://www.allpeoplequilt.com

I like the ads too. Sometimes they have website addresses where you can get free patterns. I also find them good sources for color and design ideas. When I read my magazines I make notes about what I like and don't like beside the pictures of the quilts. It's helping me to develop my quilting style.

Ditto :D

I too like the ads for a glimpse of fabrcis coming and to get quilt ideas. I subscribe to Am Patchwork and to McCalls Quilting. Yesterday both came. I was in heaven when I got home from work.

Go to a bookstore and glance through one. I do like that particular magazine, it would cost more to buy one pattern and there's usually something I like in every one, the ads help keep you up to date on the latest quilting items out there. When there's no ads, it's called a book and costs a lot more, the ads help keep our price down.

I just received the same offer and as I routinely purchase this magazine and do use the patterns and pictures for inspiration I will ordering the subscription. My onlyother subscription is Quilters World.

I have nothing to offer in the way of deciding weather or not to buy the magazine but take reviews with a grain. Often negative reviews come from the competition or keep in mind that people tend to be more vocal when complaining and less vocal when they are pleased with something.

Thanks again for all of your responses. I too like ads...in fact I have some really old quilting magazines here; and when I unpacked boxes a few months ago I took those outside to read while sitting in the sun around the pool. I looked at every page and was even reading the ads in them...lol.

Like I said...I'll check out the magazines at JoAnn's next week and then make a decision. With my luck I'll probably find several I like and come home with all of them.

Thanks for the website Havplenty. I will check it out later.

I used to subscribe to 3 different quilt magazines. I realized I only used the patterns out of AP&Q. This in now the only magazine I subscribe to.

I too let my subscription to this one run out this year. I have subscribed for about 5 years, but this last year, I found not much of anything that interested me. It seemed to me that every quilt in each issue was drab and dull. Maybe it was me, but that is how it seemed.

Checking them out for yourself is the best idea....glad you are going to do that. I do think BH&G is a good magazine, but I only buy it when I love a particular issue, not a subscription.

A couple of times per year, they put out a quilt shop edition that features 10 quilt shops around the US and Canada. I always buy that in addition to my subscription. Sam's carries at least the 10-shop edition and they are 30% off, so it would be a good time to buy that one. The new Fall one is out now. I love the magazine and I am what I'd call an intermediate quilter.

I think each of us looks for different things in magazines and, as a result, we each like different magazines. Personally, I don't like BH&G quilt magazine but that's my thing and it doesn't have to be everyone else's.

See? I can be open minded!

:)

At one point I subscribed to almost every magazine out there (really) and after a couple of years decided that I would never make every quilt I wanted to in these magazines and felt a bit overloaded with ideas...to the point of not making anything.

Soooo, I analyzed each and realized quickly that most I rarely even liked one quilt in them EXCEPT AP&Q. That magazine, in my opinion, is the best out there. I still receive it and get butterflies in my stomach as I walk up my driveway with it after visiting my mailbox.

So worth the money you pay!

Also, Pat Sloan is the host of the radio show for them. I don't listen online, but I do download all the podcasts from iTunes (FREE) and listen to them on my way to/from work. LOVE that show!

Suzanne

I have subscribed off & on for the last 20+ years. I wait until I get the 2 for 1 offer to resubscribe. Just did it with the same offer as you have. It's a pretty good magazine for the amount you pay.

I just subscribed to this one, I like it, had bought a couple before subscribing. I just like looking at them, but have used a pattern out of one before.

I found it takes so little time to go through the quilting magazines that I just don't spend the money anymore.

This is one of my favorite magazines, I think they have projects that every level of quilter will enjoy. I've been gettting it for about 6 years and love it. Again, it's personal preference, hope you will enjoy it!

I totally agree with you. I rarely make a quilt from a magazine pattern, if I do I usually change it to make it my own. I get my inspiration for my quilts from quilting magazines.

My subscription has been allowed to end. There are beautiful quilts in this magazine but more detailed and involved than I care to make at this time. You may check your local library to see what they have. Our library has four different quilt magazines.

I agree with you but I've decided not to renew because I've noticed that when you purchase the mag at Joanne's or book store a CD is sometimes included---this is not included when it comes in the mail.
May sound a bit petty but it's the principal of it.
Disappointed, Kutnso

When I first started quilting, I subscribed to a number of mags. My faves were QNM, Quiltmaker and Lady's Circle Patchwork quilts. The Lady's Circle seemed to disappear and I was so sad.
The one I would like now is Quilting Daily. I look for mags I can learn from now and am doing more art work so this one is more worth my while and money. Also...I have EQ7...don't need but a few mags.

You won't like everything in any of them but you will always get something out of them. I don't make a lot of the projects form the magazines but I always learn something. Tips and new items are the best. Also they usually give you different options on colors etc. I subscribe to several and love them all.

I subscribed about 6 -8 weeks ago. Received my first issue yesterday. BUT in the 6 -8 weeks I have received 4 offers to extend my subscription. WHY would I renew or extend a subscription to a magazine I had not yet received?

I'd suggest buying a magazine now and then from a variety of sources; as I've found it becomes repeats after a while only different colors used.. just seems a waste of money to keep subscribing to them; so I buy when I see something that appeals to me in a single magazine off the bookracks.