tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post5970097461743180959..comments2024-03-26T22:50:08.674-05:00Comments on Barbara Brackman's <br> MATERIAL CULTURE: More About the Quilt BizzUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-52807037767749144932017-01-04T18:51:27.914-06:002017-01-04T18:51:27.914-06:00I still like to think of my quilts as art. Each sa...I still like to think of my quilts as art. Each says something no matter how small. I like to think that the earliest quilters thought this way too. Whether I am making a jacket, a quilt or an embroidery, it is a physical blog; a commentary or remembrance, an inspiration or a memory. What we use is not significant, the way it is expressed is. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-71683742903349541032017-01-04T11:20:16.405-06:002017-01-04T11:20:16.405-06:00I have run out of room to store fabric. And yes, ...I have run out of room to store fabric. And yes, I am a baby boomer. However, I still love to buy fabric and there is so much beautiful fabric coming out. So, I have come up with a solution. Crocheting rag rugs. I made a new rug for the downstairs bathroom. It used up 14 yards of fabric. That is a lot of fabric. I wish I could say it made a dent in my stash, but it did not. Next on my schedule is a new rug for the dining room. It may use 100 yards of fabric, who knows. Then I may make on for my son's room. By then, I should have plenty of room for new fabric purchases. Whooppee!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07377709803252413225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-86165113299628601592017-01-03T18:18:43.542-06:002017-01-03T18:18:43.542-06:00You're right regarding how the "Good Ship...You're right regarding how the "Good Ship Quilt Commerce" will right itself. I'm on the tail end of the boomer group and started quilting in 2002. Back then all I heard was how the women who started quilting in 1970s, 80s and 90s had to overcome the supply, pattern and production prejudices of the quilting eras before them and from who they learned from. That's how (what I consider) the current "golden age of quilting" came about. I learned from those "innovators" who the new generation may now view as "pioneers" (with all the ancient imagery that word implies). They will develop their own vanguards and push the ship on a different trajectory. You're right, we have to embrace what will be, don't mourn what is, everything eventually changes, hopefully for the best.Vivianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17845920248231910491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-52115712714537483222017-01-02T07:04:44.103-06:002017-01-02T07:04:44.103-06:00The cost of fabric is one reason I too am trying t...The cost of fabric is one reason I too am trying to use more stash, but I would never say I won't buy more - it just has to be on sale. I am designing scrap quilts to use the many fat quarters and yards of fabrics currently in my "resource center", looking to traditional styles with a modern twist. I agree with another commenter on your last post that economics may have a role in the decline of quilt show participants. I love to go but can only do that every few years - the cost of hotel, classes, meals, transportation gets up there. There seems to be an upsurge in more "modern" quilting - there are two new guilds within driving distance here that are made of younger women doing more negative space quilts with prints that are brighter and more funky than my taste. I wonder, are the shows concentrating on Modern style doing better than traditional? Carole @ From My Carolina Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05140514341597136944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-26429309249224053682017-01-01T23:35:25.654-06:002017-01-01T23:35:25.654-06:00I'm 48, which puts me in 'Generation X'...I'm 48, which puts me in 'Generation X'. I do lots online: read blogs, share photos, read books, participate in BOMs & quilt-alongs. I do, however, purchased my fabric at my LQS or stores in places I visit (like my Mom's LQS). There is nothing like touching, feeling, and seeing fabric. I rarely purchase online. I've struggled, though, with these 'definitions' that quilters want to give themselves because I don't think I fit into any one box! I'm inspired by the modern quilt movement, but I LOVE traditional and antique quilts. Some of my quilts have some modern influences, but many are probably better described as 'contemporary'. But I also have a couple projects in the works that use reproduction lines. And I'm very much looking forward to the 'Yankee Diary'. I decided a year ago that I was just going to be a 'Quilter'. I was going to make what I loved and enjoyed without getting hung-up on some one else's definition!Kristihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06833251504109166543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-19552743862259550532017-01-01T12:42:59.977-06:002017-01-01T12:42:59.977-06:00Oh my goodness...what a post. BB retiring?? How d...Oh my goodness...what a post. BB retiring?? How does one grasp that?? TBTG for the blog. I have collected fabric for 50 some years..since late adolescence...I cannot give away a bit of it...well..only snippets to my sister, I know where I got each piece. I used to love to browse the quilt stores..not anymore...Now I browse the web...sales...trying never to buy above 5 or 6 dollars a yard.. someone posted somewhere...that it is a collection..No one ever tells a stamp or coin collector to use their collections...so if I do not use but a bit of mine...so what.? Love it too much.I love and use all fabric..old, very old, new, very new...Do not get me going on my love for fabric...xxoo to BBO'Quiltshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15350950712546652314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-59681180474374325012017-01-01T09:10:27.042-06:002017-01-01T09:10:27.042-06:00I think the issue with show attendance - and the s...I think the issue with show attendance - and the size and quality of shows & number of vendors - is a direct result of the industry getting too greedy. AQS for one has over-saturated the market with all of the new shows and it has definitely taken a toll on the "big" shows like Paducah. While I recognize that the addition of other shows all around the country has allowed people to attend that would not have been able to make it to Paducah, Houston, etc., I have talked to numerous vendors who say they can't afford to do them all so now have to pick and choose and know that sales have dropped as consumers are spreading their money farther at multiple shows. Now AQS is adding a second show in Paducah...so sad to see what was once such a treat become "just another show".Danahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13726159442086808838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-83483498059003499372017-01-01T08:52:34.931-06:002017-01-01T08:52:34.931-06:00Marijke
Here's all I know about ingenious snak...Marijke<br />Here's all I know about ingenious snake. Follow this link:<br />https://www.flickr.com/photos/91821907@N00/448025422/in/pool-20796593@N00Barbara Brackmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07948219446078848778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-5509160068519575232017-01-01T06:38:13.408-06:002017-01-01T06:38:13.408-06:00O Hello
Is there a pattern of the baby boom boa c...O Hello <br />Is there a pattern of the baby boom boa constrictor.<br />I like it.<br />Happy new year <br />MarijkeAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02909452326794904626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-38794701443195528022016-12-31T16:07:16.422-06:002016-12-31T16:07:16.422-06:00My mother was buying fabric and quilting until the...My mother was buying fabric and quilting until the day she died at age 95. I'm 63 and intend to gleefully uphold the family tradition of purchasing fabric as though I were immortal. My daughter, a newly minted quilter and psychiatrist (what better way to unwind after a day working in a public mental health hospital!) just returned from a Food and Fabric weekend in Portland, Oregon. What fun! I'm very grateful for the roomful of fabrics I inherited from my Mom. Barbara, your designs are among the most beautiful in her collection. Thank you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06538727212015313386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-83327143145431595962016-12-31T11:55:56.499-06:002016-12-31T11:55:56.499-06:00Another thing about quilt shows..expensive prices!...Another thing about quilt shows..expensive prices! Didn't see anything new and I almost felt like I was at an indoor flea market!what happened to atmosphere and creativity in the booths ? I almost was going to ask for my entrance fee back last time so disappointing! Teresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08426224895676627076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-5025852142431481232016-12-31T10:20:28.983-06:002016-12-31T10:20:28.983-06:00No fabric diet here and I think I'm about your...No fabric diet here and I think I'm about your age. :-) If I were to pick the one thing that really hit me from yesterday's post (besides your retirement of course) was the comment about at the last big quilt show you went to and the number of vendors selling vibrating chairs. This is why we don't go to flower shows anymore. Too many vendors with jewelry, pots and pans, etc!Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17031010346576416867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-3099959578379225752016-12-31T08:54:01.721-06:002016-12-31T08:54:01.721-06:00Why would anyone want to go on a fabric diet? Wou...Why would anyone want to go on a fabric diet? Would you ask a painter (artist not house) not to buy paint? I've been happily buying fabric for 25 years and don't intend to stop until I can't quilt anymore. Love your Baltimore Blues. Quilt shop, here I come!AnnetteJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05633269202504170205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-69056685054211604082016-12-31T04:41:49.338-06:002016-12-31T04:41:49.338-06:00Great post!!!! Rather than dwell on our difference...Great post!!!! Rather than dwell on our differences, we should rejoice in our uniqueness!Susie Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01983123679473675732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-25457997981927554132016-12-31T00:22:45.492-06:002016-12-31T00:22:45.492-06:00So glad you will not retire your blog! It's i...So glad you will not retire your blog! It's informative and entertaining, always leaves me with something to think about.....maybe a challenge, maybe a new bit of a twist to stick in with my ideas. Thanks, Barbara!Susiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12222623446184143185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-51308603125742351072016-12-30T20:46:09.656-06:002016-12-30T20:46:09.656-06:00I really enjoyed your post for the photos and comm...I really enjoyed your post for the photos and commentary. I never thought about the differences between generations, really interesting!Serenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13791172992255901873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-70512001846531796412016-12-30T16:52:22.835-06:002016-12-30T16:52:22.835-06:00A lot of old skills are disappearing - but not tot...A lot of old skills are disappearing - but not totally because there are always those who wish to carry on traditions. Likewise with quilting. It may skip a generation but it will never be wiped out. Fabric will always be manufactured - well I hope so unless global warming will see future generations running around in the nuddie!!! And there will always be some young person with a keen eye and a longing for the fabrics of old and a manufacturer will say oh yes that will make a change and hey ho the circle of life is still in action.<br /><br />I'm thoroughly enjoying your Civil War blog. History was never a strong point at school but this is different. I am grateful for learning a different side to things other than how tos. <br />Thank you.<br /><br />Happy New Year everyone. Kerryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07759875955040163206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-73673027503549778862016-12-30T15:59:17.687-06:002016-12-30T15:59:17.687-06:00Barbara,
I am sad that you are retiring if this is...Barbara,<br />I am sad that you are retiring if this is sad for you. I was only involved in your blog the last few years, so I am 63 and wasn't "hip" enough to be into blogs earlier. I feel that I missed out on some great stuff from you.<br />I recently made a Civil War quilt with reproductions and your book on Civil War quilts. My quilt honored women and their Civil War contributions on both sides of the line. I found that the fabric really grew on me and that my husband and other men responded to the fabric and block patterns in an enthusiastic way that they haven't shown my other quilts. My husband simply loves the quilt. He was quite taken with the graphic forms as I made each block. I found that while some may see the Civl War colors as dull, they are actually very sophisticated and drew upon my art design background more than many other types of fabric.<br />I predict that there will be a swing back to reproductions and that as our modern quilters mature, they will see that the reproductions are quite interesting graphically and that they will feel a kinship with women from other times and places as they work with these fabrics. <br />My local quilt shop, Thimble Pleasures in Chapel Hill, NC, just closed its doors after 20 years. It was a fabulous shop with an owner who needed to retire and no one else to pick up the challenge.<br />I will continue to learn from you as long as you are posting. Thanks for so much sharing of fabric information and quilt history that no one else has and for your good-natured fun with fabric, women and quilting.<br /><br />Your devoted student,<br />Lois<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02570901825561231088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-64773462642045630012016-12-30T15:40:17.070-06:002016-12-30T15:40:17.070-06:00One hope I find for the future of reproduction qui...One hope I find for the future of reproduction quilting is that quilting has almost died out a number of times, only to be rediscovered by a new generation ... who also rediscovered the beauty of those older fabrics - colonial designs and colors, civil war designs, your own Morris designs, the 1930s - I even saw fabric from my beginnings in quilting, the 1970s, referred to as vintage reproductions in a collection a few years ago! <br /><br />Edyta Sitar has quite a following among the younger quilters, and her line coming out in June for Andover looks very compatible with my Civil War repros. =) We may be on a downward cycle, or a changing cycle, but all that we do will still be around and still be loved and preserved and it will come back again. I'm sure of it. Your books will remain and be passed down, and you'll keep creating beautiful and irresistible projects for a long time. Beauty doesn't die, and taste cycles. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-31632099151771768132016-12-30T15:32:45.112-06:002016-12-30T15:32:45.112-06:00In all fairness to the many newly retiring Baby Bo...In all fairness to the many newly retiring Baby Boomers, or folks like me living on Social Security, we are on a fixed [ever decreasing, it seems] income and the recent price increases of cotton fabric can make quilting an unaffordable luxury for many. At almost 12.oo a yard quilt backing alone can run as much as my weekly grocery budget. I know I simply cannot afford to buy the fabrics I love including yours.<br /><br />lizzy Lizzy Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13925662100321427762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-36478211951717083822016-12-30T13:48:03.806-06:002016-12-30T13:48:03.806-06:00Okay now you made me feel old and ready for an old...Okay now you made me feel old and ready for an old age home! 😕Teresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08426224895676627076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-47921392295793286812016-12-30T13:20:52.006-06:002016-12-30T13:20:52.006-06:00Barbara, who inspired me and countless others, was...Barbara, who inspired me and countless others, was so successful at getting us to study old quilts that this very pursuit became emblematic of our quilt generation. And now that generation is fading. I think the big generational difference in the quilt world today, has to do with the fact that our mission in the revival and era of quilts that started in the 1970's was to get old quilts valued...and new ones, for that matter. Our mission was to preserve and extend the tradition, and it so happened that the fashion for country style decorating with antiques happened at the same time, so quilts looked perfect in our homes. Now, we already have quilt museums, collections of old quilts and all. For people that are becoming adults now and in the last decade or so, they see the "Country" style of decorating as belonging to their parent's generation, and they see the guilds as part of the same older generation. The style now is the Ikea style of modern, simple furniture, upon which the "Modern Quilt" palette looks perfect. So the shops that are closing often are of the older style--barnwood and calicoes and etc--and the shops that are opening are all of modern, ironic pastels in stripped down interiors that have shed any flavor of the "country" style. And the guilds, which allowed women to connect and communicate in the dark ages of the 1970's and 1980's, are being superseded by the internet, which allows us all to connect and communicate at will. And even the study of quilt history is associated with the older generation, as the Modern Quilt movement is fundamentally ahistorical. <br />Joe the Quilterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10745512757365892847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-56763887407600573712016-12-30T12:18:51.211-06:002016-12-30T12:18:51.211-06:00Surely what is old will someday be new again. Or a...Surely what is old will someday be new again. Or at least I can hope. I have no interest in buying the modern colors and designs that appeal to the younger generation and they don't look good in my home. Nothing against them or their designers, just not my taste. Younger people are also not interested as a rule in gardening, genealogy, history and historic preservation. These pursuits seems to come along after 50, or so my friends in marketing tell me. And busy working mothers truly don't have time for any of that, I've had opportunity to observe that first hand. Perhaps there will be a sort of revival when their children are all away at college. . . . I should only live to see it. Until them, I'll just have to grieve when I could make this or that repro quilt if only I could find some turkey red. Or poison green. Or prussian blue. Or madder. . . . Maybe right now we should all dedicate ourselves to seeing that when a repro fabric lover departs this world, her stash goes on the Internet for purchase, we should start a niche website for the sale or exchange of repro fabric. suzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01885011551892500020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-69428445126124970172016-12-30T11:31:56.287-06:002016-12-30T11:31:56.287-06:00I am sad that your retiring because I will miss yo...I am sad that your retiring because I will miss you, you have been such an inspiration to me thru out my quilting life/career, and yes I am also saddened by the changes in the quilting industry, I have an online store and a little backyard shop, I only sell and use reproduction fabrics and I am all about Quilt History, and one thing is for sure the cost of fabric makes a difference, quilt shows I attended in the last two years were a little dissapointing to say the least, there were more vendors selling unrelated items to quilting than fabric! I now find myself searching for a way to balance my love of traditional quilting and fabrics with the new and younger ..quilters and sewers. But I wouldn't even have half of my knowledge of quilting and fabric if it wasn't for you. I have to say that you have been with me in all my 35 years + of quilting, So I'm so glad you will still be posting. You have certainly enriched and educated the quilting world beyond expectations and I am one who greatly appreciated every word , every book, every quilt and every fabric! Thank You Barbara!Teresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08426224895676627076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289466493716180465.post-81759327620992906062016-12-30T11:25:50.125-06:002016-12-30T11:25:50.125-06:00Well, I'd say you're very hip, and have be...Well, I'd say you're very hip, and have been all along! As a quilt historian, you've now explained current history in the making. I like the positive outlook. Thanks! You're right. We must adapt. I hope you'll get to go on that painting trip to Spain.Nifty Quiltshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11249020129403851346noreply@blogger.com