So what turned you into a quilter?
I know the quilting industry is worried that younger people aren’t sewing as much as we older ones did at their age. They are concerned that we are in a dying industry.
Here’s the thing, though.
People will always want a cover for their beds, and maybe even more than one — especially those who live in a cold climate!
So while maybe the home clothing sewing industry is almost gone - though I think we are seeing signs of resuscitation - at least by observing how many young-ish bloggers who are sewing are out there - we will always need people who know how to sew! If only for the “industry”.
However, knowing that there are crafts people out there making beautiful things, whether it is with wood or metal or paper or fabric of all types, I’m not terribly worried about it.
BUT….
I think at times they - the powers that be in the quilting industry - are trying to get the wrong demographic to begin to quilt. I’ve seen people post over and over - let’s get the young women to begin to sew - those stay at home young moms - you know - the ones in their 20s and 30s.
I think really that these people must be either men or older women who have forgotten what it was like to actually have littles at home.
I think, instead, we should be targeting the 40something and 50something women who are new empty nesters, or whose kids are getting independent and don’t need mom as much anymore. Finally, she has some time to herself! THOSE are the women we should target to begin quilting.
(And if the lady isn’t a mom, maybe by then she has some money saved from all those years of working! The typical person in their 20s and 30s are trying to set up a house, get going in life and it is all very expensive!)
(If you are a dad reading here, well, you are already unusual, so none of this applies to you anyway!)
Why do I say that?
Because that’s how it was with me. I already knew how to sew. I even had a degree in home economics education AND a Pfaff sewing machine which we got right away once we arrived in Poland. BUT, I was 30something with a passel of kids and a new language to learn as well as a new culture to adapt to.
No time. Literally.
No money. Yeah. I remember.
Back then, there wasn’t much internet to speak of.
And even I, the home ec major and teacher of sewing wasn’t sewing much at all! Oh, I made a few things for the house- including maybe some curtains or cloth napkins, etc. But almost NOTHING. I wasn’t quilting - not at all.
It wasn’t until my youngest was getting to be double digits that I really got into quilting. I had started doing a little quilting when my youngest was about 5 or 6 - old enough to be less dependent on me. (My oldest and youngest are 9.5 years apart - we have 5.) By the time the youngest left for college - a few years ago, I was fully engaged.
Now I have a friend here in Poland whose son is getting close to leaving home - and guess what? She’s discovered sewing!!! How exciting. And she has time. And for sure she has more money than when they were a young couple! I know that my story, or hers, isn’t unique. She has made a bunch of fidget mats and recently sent me a picture of a quilt!
When I was in Florida a lady came in the store and she really wanted to learn to quilt. I could tell she was the same demographic - probably in her 50s and had both time and at least some money. She really wanted to learn to sew. (We got her signed up for beginning quilting!)
So why not? Why not look around to your friends who are possibly looking for a creative outlet and FINALLY have time. Show them your quilts - what you are doing. Pique their interest.
Let them know that they can do it too!
Tell them about the myriads of You Tube videos that demonstrate techniques.
Let them know there are beautiful fabrics in all kinds of interesting designs. They may not realize there are dog fabrics and sports fabrics and cowboy fabrics and wild crazy fabrics as well as subdued. They may be stuck in time thinking that all fabric available to buy is made up of small quiet flowers. Show them!
I’m not saying become a one-woman (or man) missionary to convert people into quilters. Just show them what you do. Let them know what can be done and if they are interested, you could point them in the right direction.
I think that sewing in general got a burst from the mask making frenzy of the last few months. Maybe some who hadn’t sewn for years or just started sewing with the making of masks would like to turn some of their energy into creative works - like quilting!
How about you? Did you start quilting in your 40s or 50s or older? What was the trigger to get you to try quilting (and not just sewing if you knew how already)?
Let me know in the comments!
No matter how old you are or were - glad you are here today!
Have a great day wherever you are reading - stay safe! Stay healthy!
Be sure to check out what my sis has in the store!
Here’s one of the beauties she’s got right now!
