I read your blog post this morning before you pulled it. I'm a little sorry that you did, not because I want you to be in the cross-fire but because I could relate to your motivation for writing what you did.
A dear friend -- who isn't on my payroll -- sent me the link to it. I read it and while I was a initially a little annoyed, I also understood the root issue. You started out by citing Sandi of Piecemeal Quilts and the post she wrote about the dumbing down of quilting. I had read that post and agreed with several of her comments -- ditto for her subsequent posts on the subject.
Back in January, I tried to write about some of the frustrations and challenges that were bogging me down. As you probably found out, it is a difficult subject to write about without venting a bit, ranting a bit, and being completely misunderstood by other well-meaning folks. Been there, done that. The thing is, quilting has been dumbed down. It isn't just quilting either, everything -- including us -- has been "dumbed down". From politics to entertainment, culture to the arts, everything is faster, easier and requires a whole lot less thought. I don't know if you read Newsweek magazine but they gave the US Citizenship test to 1,000 Americans as part of a study and 38 percent failed. The magazine listed 25 of the questions used in the test and then included the percentage of correct answers for each question. It was appalling and very, very sad.
And no, that wasn't my fault either. (I know that you didn't blame me for that... I'm trying for a little levity here.)
I don't know what exactly set you off this morning but I do understand your frustrations. Some of them anyway. Just so you know, I'm not on the payroll of the company you named. If I were, they wouldn't keep sending me invoices for all that fabric. And with the exception of Rosie and my Mom, there isn't anyone on mine either. Seriously. Do I send patterns and some fabric to friends? Sure. But guess what? They rarely blog about it and I like it that way. The truth is, I prefer it that way. If nothing else, it brings out the snarkiness in others who aren't on the "gift list". When I give something to someone, it isn't for the credit or the publicity. I've been very fortunate for much of my life and being able to give something to others makes me happy. Or it did. But don't worry, I'll get over being annoyed with your suggestion that I have an ulterior motive for giving stuff away. To borrow from Oprah, I know this to be true: (1) I know that you didn't mean to imply that; (2) I know that isn't why I do it; and (3) I know that they know why I do it. My conscience is clear... though I have to confess that for just a tiny moment, there was a little part of me wanted to offer an all-expense paid trip to Spring Market to anyone who would create an I Love Miss Rosie's Patterns blog just to tick you off.
I'm kidding! And don't worry. I won't do that. I promise!
Legal Disclaimer: To anyone else reading this, this is another attempt at levity. This is not a legitimate offer.
But back to where this all started -- the dumbing down of quilting. You're not the only person who thinks it. The subject has been raised by people in the industry, by magazines and by other bloggers. It isn't the fault of any one fabric company, nor is it the fault of a couple of sew-alongs or bloggers. I almost wish it was because then it would be an easy problem to fix. Do you read Mark Lipinski's Fabric Trends magazine? He answered a "Letter to Mark" in a recent issue that addressed this very same topic, what is essentially "the sameness of it all". (If I could scan and post the letter here I would but oy vey... the copyright infringement issues of all that.) It was a terrific, well-articulated response. If nothing else, it made me happy to know I wasn't the only one who was feeling that way. In a similar vein, several modern quilters blogged about this last year, to the point of pledging to blog about their process rather than just the result. Since you're obviously interested in the subject, you might want to read Rossie's post about Mutant Quilting.
As a quilter, I would love to see everyone making quilts that challenged them artistically, emotionally, and intellectually. But -- and here's the part that always hangs me up -- my idea of what that constitutes is different from theirs. That isn't why some quilters make quilts. I know quilters who have never made an "art quilt" in their lives and probably never will, but they take classes about dyeing, embellishment, surface design, re-fracting elements (no, I don't know what that is either) and all sorts of interesting techniques because they're curious. I also know of quilters who -- in 40 years of quilting -- never made a quilt with a triangle unless it was the setting triangles. For some of us, quilting is a passion, an artistic pursuit or expression, and for others it is a hobby. It's as simple as that. It isn't any different than any other pursuit, we do what makes us happy. Someone who has read every Harlequin ever published is a "reader" just as much as someone who reads Tolstoy, Hemingway and Dostoevsky.
As a pattern company, I would love to see everyone making Miss Rosie patterns and only Miss Rosie patterns! Uh... NOT! The truth is that I wouldn't want to see that -- not now, not ever! -- because it would be very, very boring. It would be like eating at McDonald's for every meal -- every meal. All the time. Yuck!
I wish I knew how and where and in which direction to take all this because it is a huge subject. While it would be nice to "blame" someone or something, all of us are at fault to some degree. But even that isn't entirely fair. I love picking fabrics for a scrap quilt but I also acknowledge that picking five fabrics can be worse than root canal for other quilters. While I love tweaking a quilt to make it different, I've also bought kits because I've seen a quilt sample and thought "I want that! Exactly that!"
Would it help to know that you're not alone in your frustrations? Many quilters feel the same way, including and maybe even especially, quilters who are in the quilting business. More specifically, I am referring to those quilters who just happen to be doing it as a business as opposed to the people whose business just happens to be quilting. Sadly, there is a difference and it definitely factors into that whole "dumbing down" process because there isn't a whole lot in quilting that is completely, entirely new. Everything is a riff on something else -- for better and for worse. Albert Einstein wrote that "the secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." Albert must have known a few quilters.
In some ways, I think the problem can probably be traced back to the word "business". For many of us, quilting is personal, it is an expression of what we love and who we are. But business is not. We can put out lofty "mission statements" but the bottom line is the bottom line, and many decisions are made from a business perspective more often than from a creative one. I recently spoke with a shop owner who admitted that while the quilter in her would love everybody to be making Baltimore Album quilts, the shopowner in her loves putting together [insert specific number here that can be easily divided by 2 or 10] fat quarters for the ladies who have made a "particular" quilt a hundred times over.
I sincerely hope that you won't get any grief over this morning's post. If I were nearer to Philadelphia, I would take you to dinner -- Dutch, of course, lest anyone accuse you of being on the payroll too -- so that you could toss the crow. No need to eat it, you were frustrated and you vented. Been there, done that... thankfully, I have a really good spicy ketchup that helps with the taste.
The good news is that all of this will pass, and probably pretty quickly. There is a terrific quilt show opening Friday in New York City and I think that is going to be on many quilter's minds in the next week or so. If you're going to get to see it, let me know. Maybe we can meet up and you can slap me around in person.
I'm kidding! But I would like to meet you, I'm sure we'd have a lot to talk about.
Carrie
Quilting, Near Phoenix
You, Ms Nelson, Have some serious class!
:)
Posted by: Sandy (Strlady) | March 23, 2011 at 02:45 PM
Well said....I couldn't agree with the first comment more..
Posted by: rita | March 23, 2011 at 02:49 PM
Amen Carrie! Sometimes I just want to gag when I see one of those FQ quilts that I think you were referencing, but then I stop and realize that the person who happily and lovingly made that is perhaps tempted to gag when she sees the kazillion triangles in my latest project. My Mom always said there's something for everyone and if we all liked the same things it would be the most boring world. On another note, I can't wait to see Red and White quilts in NYC! Whoo Hoo Infinite Variety!!!
Posted by: Mary | March 23, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Thank you Carrie! Very well said :)
Posted by: Wendy | March 23, 2011 at 03:17 PM
Word!
Posted by: Hazle | March 23, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Well done Carrie, very well said!! Hugs...(and for those who don't know, I am NOT the Nancy this was written for)
Posted by: Nancy | March 23, 2011 at 03:30 PM
I hope Nancy (near Philly)reads this, too; it's a classy, well-written response and I think she would appreciate that she was "heard". I, too, have several recipes for crow...
Posted by: Erica | March 23, 2011 at 03:49 PM
I am so gonna use the Einstein quote!
Posted by: Jewel | March 23, 2011 at 04:01 PM
Well sometimes I just sleep in too late NOT lol ...I did not see any of this...but may I say it...WOW!
I am knew to quilting, very new, less than a year. I sew get it why some are beside themselves...I am too at times..but I get over it... I know for me personally "dumbing it down or not" I quilt because it helps me to be sane(r). I have lost plenty these last couple years and if not for the dumbing down as some would say, ( as I did not even know how to use a rotary cutter a year ago) I am glad I was one of the dumb ones who did not know better...because it saved my life. Literally!. Thank you for your honesty, heart and your words...you touched my heart, mind and my life...(ok, maybe not my life, but you know what I mean)
Posted by: madame samm | March 23, 2011 at 04:11 PM
I read that post today before it was pulled. It saddened me. Very well said Carrie :-)
Posted by: Michele | March 23, 2011 at 04:18 PM
I can only imagine what was posted.. and I am so glad that you in your wonderful way took the time to articulated a great response. I think the only thing better would have been to have it in as a conversation in an informal setting with a glass of wine. I am so glad that there is this forum to discuss what is on our minds. Dang, I wish I would have seen that post though!
Posted by: Sinta Renee | March 23, 2011 at 04:24 PM
I read murder mysteries to relax, just as I quilt to relax. I do sometimes use Moda fabrics, and Carrie's patterns, however I am not on Carrie's payroll...I say "each to their own"- do what makes you happy, and if you want to use one line of fabric and make a FQ quilt, well then good for you. If you want to make a Baltimore Albumn quilt, then good for you...Sure things get dumbed down, but you don't have to jump on that bandwagon if you don't want to.
Thanks, Carrie-classy response, and well said!
Posted by: annieb | March 23, 2011 at 04:49 PM
VERY WELL PUT!
I'm a quilting teacher, and I'm stunned by some of the 'dumbing down' involved - nobody wants to or knows how to do their own math any more!!! A simple three block repeat is beyond comprehension... hmmmm, maybe I need to vent on my blog a bit!
Posted by: TheaM | March 23, 2011 at 04:51 PM
Frankly, I am a Miss Rosie All The Time kinda gal. That being said, I think today's hoopla really shows how we all need to be more aware of how our words can affect others. Just because we can express our views on our blogs does not mean that we have the right to be unkind to others or state falsehoods.
Posted by: Nicole | March 23, 2011 at 04:57 PM
Dag nab it - I had my "Miss Rosie and Nothing But" blog all ready to launch...
I appreciate your humor and the respect you showed Nancy in addressing her blog post. I read it before she pulled it and it made my blood boil a little.
I agree with the others - you are a lady of class, Ms. Nelson.
Posted by: Lisa D. | March 23, 2011 at 05:04 PM
Thank you!
Posted by: Christina D | March 23, 2011 at 05:35 PM
Wow! You are funny and creative AND classy! No wonder we all wish we could be you!
Tricia
Posted by: Tricia | March 23, 2011 at 05:35 PM
I am so impressed by your kind words and understanding response. Truly a lady by anyone's standards! And, a quilter/ pattern writer extraordinaire!
p.s. While all this was going on this morning, I was trying out your binding tutorial and will use that finishing method from now on! Who knew???? Thanks!!!!
Posted by: Jan | March 23, 2011 at 05:54 PM
And here I always thought the only one on your payroll was paid with dog treats!! :-)
Posted by: Linda | March 23, 2011 at 06:14 PM
Carrie, how wise you are. I remember going to a lecture, wher I was reminded that sometimes you need to take time to make something special. Okay, I am going to New York to see the red and white quilts, inspiration I am sure will be among those.
Posted by: Ginny Worden | March 23, 2011 at 06:36 PM
darn that Legal Disclaimer - even though i wouldn't have started a "I Love Miss Rosie's Patterns" blog JUST to tick someone off, i do love your patterns (in real life, i OWN a lot of them, but have never actually made a QUILT from any of them ... sigh) even IF i'm NOT on the "gift list" (i blame it on those plaids that i grabbed before you had the chance - ha ha ha)
Posted by: dianne | March 23, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Holey Moley this qualifies as a day late and a dollar short! I missed the post but I have read your post 27 times. I think I understand what was said and your most eloquent response. Well said girl friend! AS USUAL.
IF Nancy only knew what a supportive,encouraging and giving person you are....you are successful at what you do and so unpretentious. Generous in spirit, a friend to all quilters and spending your time and talent PROMOTING the art we all love so much.
Please bring my check to booth 524. Salt Lake City...howz that for levity?
Pat
Posted by: Pat Wys | March 23, 2011 at 07:22 PM
I didn't read the first post, but I get the general idea. Everything you mentioned in this post, Carrie, is well-said and completely classy. I've thought about this issue myself quite a bit; however, I couldn't have expressed my thoughts as well as you have. Thanks so much for writing and publishing this post. As for me...I make quilts of all kinds--simple and difficult, and I'm completely passionate about fabric and quilting. I can't go to sleep sometimes thinking about quilts and quilt designs...so grateful for blogging and the community of others who are also affected for the positive by this wonderful thing called quilting!
Posted by: sherri | March 23, 2011 at 07:54 PM
I guess I missed the hoopla too, but you wrote a very eloquent reply. Too bad you added that disclaimer! ;-) ;-) Joking! :-)
Posted by: Sandie ~call me crazy | March 23, 2011 at 08:06 PM
I was so close, but a day off in being able to hear you speak or possibly meet you at the quilt show in Mesa last week and am so sad I didn't. You are so right about so many thing in this post. I have just made three of your patterns and they are fabulous. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | March 23, 2011 at 08:06 PM
Imagine my surprise when I popped into my blog stats and saw the enormous spike from your readers. Yikes! I read Nancy's post this morning, as well as her "eating crow" post later today. I think both you deserve the term "gracious." It's easy to play it safe and not voice your opinion, and I think that ease is part of what led to the dumbing down of a lot of things. We need to speak up! However, it's also easy to get caught up in the emotion of a moment and vent. Rather than take the easy way out, you and Nancy both took the opportunity to evaluate what was said and take appropriate, responsible action. I follow both your and Nancy's blogs and I have nothing but respect for both of you.
As for my dumbing down of quilting posts, the response has been interesting. I'm adding one final post, then I'm going to put my money where my mouth is. A friend and I are planning a series of skillbuilding posts. We hope that some of the quilters who are self taught or "blog taught" will find some useful information that will help them develop the interest and confidence to try some new techniques.
Posted by: Sandi - Piecemeal Quilts | March 23, 2011 at 08:39 PM
I didnt see the post you are referring to, but I love what you said. Very well written :-)
Posted by: Kate | March 23, 2011 at 08:42 PM
You are a true gem! I did not read Nancy's post, but I am impressed with the class in which you have written yours. I am in the "I Love Miss Rosie's Patterns" and Miss Rosie camp and I'll shout it from the rooftops, but I'm a little afraid of heights. Heck, in this wonderful, crazy world of quilting I think there ought to be enough room for all of us. My favorite thing about quilting is the stories. Every quilt has it's own unique story. I am making 3 of your "Pick and Choose quilts". Not because I love it, although I do, but because I made the first one (not even knowing who you were at the time - sorry!) and now my family fights over it so I am making one for my daughter and another for my son. My husband has agreed to share 'his' with me. So even though it is the 'same' quilt, they will all have their own special thumbprint. I love being challenged, but challenges are different for each one of us. Thank you for voicing your thoughts in such a classy manner!
Posted by: Karin | March 23, 2011 at 09:38 PM
I live in Phx metro area luv your blog and patterns.
Didn't see the vent but I agree classy response all the way.
Creativity is different for each and every one of us thankfully so!! From colors to patterns to sizes.
When I get a new quilter going it's a wonderful way to share art.
I rather like my "addiction" it harms no one but sure puts smiles on faces and brings them warmth.
Kudo's to each and every quilter out there !!!!!!!
Lori in AZ
Posted by: Lori Hilleboe | March 23, 2011 at 10:03 PM
well written , love the humor thrown in! and well I would not only start a blog I would start a yahoo group too for a trip to Spring market!
or how about a trip to Arizona and I could sew for you for a week? or two?????
Kathie
Posted by: kathie | March 24, 2011 at 01:47 AM
What a gracious reply, Carrie. The dinner out will be on me, of course. See my blog post of this morning for details! Nancy, Near Philadelphia
Posted by: nancy, near philadelphia | March 24, 2011 at 03:26 AM
Well said - there is something for everyone! A reader is a reader, a quilter is a quilter... and with my other passion, a gardener is a gardener - but we all do it differently. And that's OK!
Posted by: Regina | March 24, 2011 at 05:54 AM
Thank you, Carrie! Very well said.
Posted by: Cindy | March 24, 2011 at 06:12 AM
I am one of those "dumb" quilters that keeps making the same simple patterns over and over again, running from anything that looks too much like a half-square triangle and applique. I am going through a ton of upheaval on my job and personal life, and when I go into my sewing room, I don't want to be challenged or feel any stress. I want to escape from real life for a little while and just enjoy the colors and patterns. I want to make simple things that turn out and give me a feeling of success and accomplishment. Right now, I'm on a grocery bag sewing jag, and I'm just enjoying mixing the different fabrics and feeling that I have some control over something in my life. When you see that crazy 50-year-old lady at the grocery store with the pink skull and crossbone ecco bags, that will probably be me.
Posted by: Brenda | March 24, 2011 at 07:13 AM
I read Nancy' post yesterday, commented on it, and then found she had pulled it. I agree that the topic is huge and complicated. As I posted in my comment yesterday, so long as we remember that the joy is in the journey, the colors, and the process itself, things will be fine. If we become creatures who can only copy from others and are unable to think for ourselves, then something is seriously wrong (and, as you said, this extends far beyond the quilting world).
Thanks for an thoughtful and interesting post!!!
Posted by: quiltdivajulie | March 24, 2011 at 07:17 AM
I did not read Nancy's original post but I read your answer since I follow your blog in my Google Reader. I could work out most of what was originally said and am very pleased to see that both of you have resolved the potential conflict in a very thoughtful and gracious manner. I hope you too have read her reaction since.
That said, I myself am sometimes guilty of speaking my mind in a way that is too forthright for some people. On the other hand, because of my background in informatics and engineering, I am acutely aware of some pitfalls of electronic media, namely the immediacy of spreading the message and the extraordinary escalation of emotions this can cause. Still, I deeply believe that we should all be able to speak out, be heard and be judged on the basis of not only of what we said but on all that we do as well. This creates the context in which statements can be understood better and the potential for offense, or misunderstanding diminishes. Ultimately, we are all (hopefully) reasoning creatures that should be able to distinguish between unfounded banter and a legitimate grievance.
Well, I am about to that just now - I've put her blog in my Google Reader as well. I hope that would broaden my horizon. If not ... well it is extremely easy ... I unsubscribe. There are only 24 hours in a day and only 7 days in a week last time I checked - nobody is going to waste their time following somebody's blog (in essence their work and life) if there was not a good reason. For me personally learning new things is a much more important reason than getting gifts (Legal Disclaimer I would take the gifts if they insist coming to me ;-) ).
I hope both of you can now concentrate on much more productive pursuits to the benefit of all your readers. ;-)
Take care!
Posted by: Blogless me | March 24, 2011 at 07:36 AM
Bravo!
Posted by: Karen Heineck | March 24, 2011 at 08:04 AM
Gracious, articulate, intelligent and thought-provoking. Not only a very nice reply but, as many have already commented, a classy one, which adds a balanced view to the debate. I did read the blog before it was withdrawn and I felt sad that there was almost an element of snobbery which I've read elsewhere too. Why should someone be made to feel bad because they've followed a pattern or used a kit or are making the same quilt as others? I've been quilting for about 16 years, mainly hand applique and hand quilting so for that type of quilting I could be in the intermediate to advanced level. Last summer I finally made a quilt from one of several of your patterns I've bought and love the look of, but never attempted as it involved machine piecing and triangles. In one sense it may have been less complicated than some other quilts I've made but I certainly didn't consider it as 'dumbing down', I found it pretty tricky! It was a new skill for me and presented me with a real challenge. All I can say is, most of my triangles had points and quite a few even met where they should!
Your comment about readers is spot on and applies to quilting. We're all different and wouldn't it be nice to see acceptance for all tastes and all levels of skill in quilting.
Posted by: Luned | March 24, 2011 at 09:32 AM
This was a very insightful response. I didn't see the original blog, but I've been reading "Blogging Near Phil" for quite some time and she is an amazing quilter and a kind person. I can't imagine it was her intent to just be mean. She was on a vent and it came out wrong-she admits it and life goes on.
I think we all approach things differently in quilting. With blogging we get to see all the "new stuff" and the neat ways people use the "stuff" so many of us want to do the same. I'm a hand-piecer - I can piece just about anything by hand. However, by machine? ... a whole different story. I recently picked up a bunch of Schnibbles because it's apparent you write a clear, concise pattern. I'm going to give machine piecing a go. Maybe I can get more than one quilt a year done! I like the precuts because it gives me a chance to use lovely fabrics without spending tons of money and I completely suck at picking out fabrics. Half my stash is a result of coming home, taking the fabric out of the bag and wondering what I was thinking of! If I like a line of fabric, I know it all works together. I love that many designers have fabrics in more than one line that match. For someone like me, that's a Godsend. I envy people who can put together a bunch of different fabrics and produce breathtaking quilts...just not me. As I commented on Ms. Samm's blog-to me quilting should be for the love of it and to help us maintain our sanity in an insane world. For those who can also have a business... excellent! While I understand the "dumming down" part, in some ways it's a great way for someone just starting. I wish it had been easier "back in the day" when Georgia Bonesteel had us marking fabric with pencils and cereal box templates. Looking at everything that has happened since I started quilting 30+ years ago, I think overall we've just got more technical. Those that want to, will go the next step. There's a place for everyone in the quilting world.
Posted by: SuzK | March 24, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Midas loves Miss Rosie (and her patterns)...can I create that one??
Posted by: Maria | March 24, 2011 at 02:48 PM
Kudos! xo
Posted by: Linda P | March 24, 2011 at 07:44 PM
I am so delayed in joining this conversation, missed the post you are referencing however, what exactly does "dumbing or dumming down" mean? As a shop owner who's mission is to employ young adults with developmental disabilities, I can't help but wonder if it is either directly or indirectly making light of this population of individuals. Whether we are novices or experts in the fiber arts world, why would we need to do this? Why the need to be so critical? As I always say to my children, if you don't like what you see, show me something better.
Posted by: Joyce | March 24, 2011 at 09:11 PM
Sorry that last post was me. My link did not work for some reason. btw, we love your patterns, they sell out the minute they arrive in the store.
Posted by: Joyce | March 24, 2011 at 09:17 PM
So I found the post Nancy wrote (I went to her blog, pretending to add it to my Google reader and was able to scroll down to read the whole un-lovely thing).
I've been reading your blog for ages, so have gotten to "know" you a little bit through your writing. And from what I know about you, her comment seems unnecessarily trite and even a little bit mean. So I think that your response here is quite magnanimous and gracious, which from what I already know about you, is quite in line with who you are as a person. Please don't lose that whimsy of yours, keep telling us about your patterns (I love them and have made up several) as I like your designs and your talents and want to keep reading about them.
Now to address the gist of her remarks (leaving off that unfortunate reference to you): it is true often I have wondered if a product placement on a blog is simply someone finding something terrific that they want to share, or if it is a type of paid, but not disclosed, advertisement. I think Nancy is really wondering about that (where she wasn't being cranky). Some bloggers are forthcoming that they are paid promoters, and others do not.
I do think that it is good that we have blogs that can serve as a platform for a brand and help to educate us. We all spend a lot more time online and would be fools not to use the resources available to us.
I haven't really had a problem distinguishing between the two. I hope that others will be able to discern the difference as well, or enjoy the education about a product even if they aren't able to.
Hang in there--keep writing. I love your blog and your patterns (and books!).
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 25, 2011 at 10:43 AM
I agree with your thoughts... but I am someone who has noticed lately that I have chosen the "dumb down" path a lot lately... and wondered why. And I think it is because I want to have "quilting" in my life in some form, but right now other areas of my life get more of my time than the quilting or creative side of my life. I don't like it this way... but it is where I am. And so, I am now trying to just learn techniques from a very gifted quilter and friend. I'm not taking on a big project... but I am taking the time to learn needle point applique from an expert. And it serves 2 purposes... the quilting and community/friendship. I hope to one day have the time & confidence to tackle a full sized, hand appliqued quilt. SOON!
Thanks for your thoughts... I agree with you.
But I also hope that this "dumbing down" brings new quilters into the fold and once they too want to stretch themselves they will look to grow.
Posted by: Jamie | March 25, 2011 at 10:53 AM
@Lisa D - I love your "Miss Rosie and Nothing But" blog name.
None of us should have to apologize for doing something we enjoy. I love seeing how Carrie takes a fabric line and manages to create something beautiful with it.
Chacun ses gouts (To each his own!)
Posted by: Ramona Chester | March 25, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Proud to call you friend. :)
Posted by: Kristyne | March 25, 2011 at 03:39 PM
As a brand new (and I REALLY mean new) quilter, I guess I don't really understand the issue. But I feel that we are all on the same road; just some of us are farther along. I am GRATEFUL for the help that is available and am totally guilty of not stepping out of my comfort zone. BUT that is where I AM on the road. Hopefully I will get FARTHER along on this wonderful, creative road. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. But either way, I get so much joy out of this journey. (I DO wonder at the seemingly unending supply of money to buy the "newest" fabric line(s). Does anyone just use regular ole' material anymore? This kind of puzzles me, and I just assume that anyone who uses a certain line all the time gets at least a cut in price on that fabric, if not being given that fabric to advertise. But I would too, if that was an opportunity I had.) Anyway....I probably don't even understand the issue, being as new as I am to the industry, and given that I didn't get a chance to read Nancy's blog. So, just my 2cents. Thanks!
Posted by: Jamie Hall | March 25, 2011 at 06:29 PM
As English is not my native language making a long comment for me is to hard, but I totally agree with you. (First saying I am not offended being dutch, But why is diner called dutch when you pay yourself. I really don't get that as that is not a normal thing here in the Netherlands that you pay your own meal when you are with a group.
Posted by: Judith | March 26, 2011 at 01:17 AM
The creative process itself is a very multi-faceted, highly personal, colorful, textural and intellectual foray into the unknown. Where-ever or wby-ever anyone finds themselves at a point they recognize, or hope to recognize, on that journey is not something that can be quantified by others. Thank you for a very reasoned but creative discussion of a complex concept. Regardless of how discussion plays out in some venues, we must all learn to be supportive and understanding of personal expression of that creative process. It's too easy to push someone off the rails when we should be fanning the air behind their wings. Wish I could see the show in NY, thank you yet again for the research and links to all the visuals for those of us stuck in the "hinterlands" and watching from afar.
Posted by: Sarah | March 26, 2011 at 06:16 PM