I had the opportunity to visit some out-of-town quilt stores in the last week. The minute I walked in the doors, I felt just a pang of anxiety. There were so many bolts of really bright color, wild prints, theme (Christmas, Halloween, Dinosaurs, etc. etc.) fabrics, unusual motifs that I have trouble relating to, racks of patterns, to me useless notions, and numerous samples. In addition, there was background music to distract my mission. I know that I am an old-school, traditional quiltmaker; and, obviously, out of touch and not trendy. I've been quilting for at least 50 years; and just want to make pretty quilts relying on inspiration from the natural and architectural environment; and my own creativity.
So, I put on my grown-up mindset to search for what my personal aesthetic deems to be beautiful fabric. I'm not good at estimating the number of bolts of fabric I saw, but I figure that there must have been 2000+++! Not counting the 'blenders', I only saw maybe 10 bolts of focus fabric that I would consider building a quilt around. I didn't purchase much.
I know, I know; I am seriously out of touch with the current quilt industry. I do not wish to disparage any other quiltmaker, designer, or shop owner. I understand economic theory. You do what you do; I'll do what I do. I guess that is what makes the quilting world go around!
I'm just interested to know if I'm alone, or if there are others who experience the same feelings. Comments?
2 comments:
I completely agree. It is overwhelming when you have too much to chose from and disappointing when the things you like are not currently popular.
I'm no other area of my taste am I as out of touch with the market as quilt fabrics! I feel your pain. It does make shopping less damaging to the pocketbook though!
Post a Comment