Have you watched Stitched?

[Nancy R.]

I just watched Stitched and I really enjoyed it! I was interested in what they had to say about the "battle" between traditional and art quilting. I consider every quilt to be a work of art, whether it's destined for a wall or destined for a bed, but I understand some of the distinction. I love both types, and am always interested in how they are made. Of course, some quilts speak to me and some just don't. That's the way of art. And I try to stress to my friends who are just beginning their quilting journeys that there is no right or wrong to how they design their quilts. If they like it, then it is a success. (And I always say that, when making snuggle or bed quilts, go ahead and try whatever you want because in the end, even if the colors don't work, it will still be warm!)

I guess I've gone off on a tangent, but I loved the movie and so had to start typing.

Nancy

[Mary R.]

I just finished watching Stitched and I really enjoyed it. It was so informative, funny at times and inspirational. Many thanks to TQS for making this wonderful movie available to our subscribers/fellow quilters.

[Betty J.]

I watched it. I found it interesting. I liked parts of it but I really disliked the thread throughout about the tension between traditional quilters and art quilts. I do not believe it is anything as strong as they seemed to indicate. I also didn't like the almost political viewpoint...like you have to see the world in a certain way to be a winning art quilter in particular.

I would have liked to have seen more interviews of different quilters and more interviews of the judges and what they look for. There are so many wonderful things happening in quilting today. While they touched on that a bit, it was a very light touch and I would have liked to have seen more about that. Still, like I said, it was interesting and I am delighted to have had the chance to see it.

Thanks TQS for that opportunity.

[Betty J.]

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the movie - thanks TQS.

But since coming and reading the various posts here, it has got me critically analyzing what I saw. Because the 3 quilters they chose to follow were all machine 'art' quilters, this was the main 'drive' of the type of quilts that were held up as the style to aim for, I wish that there could have been more mention of hand-work, in a more positive light than that which was shown, which upon reflection was as a bunch of crabby old stick-in-the-muds. It was interesting that there was a comment that there were complaints that too many 'traditional' style quilts had won at Houston last year, because Houston was for 'Art' quilts and Paducah was for the 'traditional' ones! It seems to me a case of
'moan, grumble,moan; It's being so cheerful that keeps me going!'

I admit that all my recent quilting is machine work not hand work, but I prefer the space between the lines of stitching that is prevelant in the handstitching styles, rather than the solid lines upon lines of stitching that is the norm of machine quilting (which I can achieve on my thread saver when chain stitching) But it might be that I am mixing up wall and bed quilts.

[Betty J.]

As with all directors/ documentary / film pieces they had a POV (point of view) TO promote. Movie makers usually use what clips that prove their POV. They probably filmed this to appeal to the general audience / film critics because they did put it up for awards in their own fields. Controversy sells and adds drama.

We quilters know what we want to learn more about... ie how the quilts are judged.... how the quilters do their work... What are the processes... Interesting to us but maybe not award winning. I would think it is hard to depict a thought process .... it is more dramatic to have action and controversy.

I think it is good to have documentaries ... TO GET THE WORD OUT to the non quilting community that this is a thriving industry... which as they pointed out spends money and drives the economy.... more then golfers, hunters and men.

Maybe this was not so good .... some husbands might get a rude awakening. But then again all they would have to do is.... PAY ATTENTION to what goes on in their own home.

[Robin G.]

I saw the movie in Paducah this year and appreciated the window it opened onto the creative process of three great quilters. I agree, however, that too much time was spent on the "controversy" over art vs. traditional quilting. I thought we were done with all that. I feel terribly sorry for any quilter out there who still refuses to accept that the quilting tent is large enough for all of us and that there are quilts all around us - both traditional and contemporary - that we can appreciate for their artistry and workmanship. The editing made them come across as such sourpusses. I hope they are not really like that.

BTW, my husband and I make a very short appearance in one of the scenes at the National Quilt Museum. Did you catch us? Also note that one of krwatts' quilts - Tangerine Dream - showed in the scene illustrating quilts arriving at the show.

[Yvonne K.]

I really did enjoy this movie. I have lived through all the controvercy of old and new methods and techniques. Those who can not accept and move forward are usually those who are afraid they will not be good at doing new things. I truly admire their beautiful handwork but it isn't the only way things can be done. I am so greatfull for those who are willing to step out and bring us new ideas. This quilter will always be looking for creative and inovative ways to do things, while also doing the traditional. Thank you God, for choices in our lives.

[Lotti D.]

i very much enjoyed the movie - thank you TQS for making it possible for us to see it - way cool 8)

having read this thread before watching - i obviously "looked out" for the trad-vs-art controversy and i feel rather sorry for the traditional folk - i think the editing was very biased as i really can't believe that most quilters are this "left or right" minded.

i truly believe that there is a place for all of us and for every method we've the possibility of using - i look forward to seeing (in whichever life i'll be in at that time) what new creations and inventions come out in the next 5 to 500 years - and what the wonderful brothers and sisters of our future will create with these.

[Lynn K.]

Enjoyed it so much and MANY THANKS to TQS for sharing it with us! Another of the many exquisite treats you provide every year!

As for the controversy over art vs. traditional.........I let that one go right past my ears at warp speed! I'd rather be quilting than spending time on that discussion. For those that don't like art quilts ---- don't look. For those that don't like traditional quilts --- don't look.

For all the rest of us..---ENJOY the medium. Life's too short to worry about it!

Oh, and since I live in Houston, it did make me appreciate the 'wonder' of what we have in our own backyard here with IQF. I guess I take it for granted and just plan on a few days of parking fees, tired feet, glorious quilts, and friends (old and new!) I just wish I had a hotel room to go to to rest my weary feet mid-day! ha

Lynn

[E.M. T.]

A big AMEN to that ! Couldn't have said it better !

[Keith D.]

Oh dear - now I have two more things to do: 1) I have to watch this movie. 2) I have to make sure that Sequana never sees me naked. :shock:

[Dawn S.]

I did enjoy the movie! It just whetted my appitite for Houston Festival! But, I have to say that I felt sorry for those quilters in the movie who have not realized that there is so much more to quilts than just putting them on the bed or wrapping up in them. Although I admire hand quilting as well as traditional, I seriously doubt Houston would have broken attendence records with only hand quilted bedspreads. I am always amazed every year as to how creative quilters have become. There is a surprise around every corner, and down every isle at the major quilt shows. And, just when you think you've seen it all, there is a new, creative technique staring you in the face, making you wonder "How did she (he) do that?" So, you take classes to learn, and stretch you mind. I liked the art vs traditional controversy. It shows us our quilting roots, and how far we have come. Some have just not come along with us and are happy living in the past. They are comfortable there. As for me, I like working outside of the box, stretching out, trying new things, and of course adding a little bit of bling! That's just who I am!

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

[Betty J.]

Well said, Dawn! Yeah, it whetted my appetite to go to Houston too.

[fiona j.]

I enjoyed it but did get frustrated by the art/ traditional arguments! Both sides had such closed minds. I love traditional work and am working on my handquilting but I also enjoy art quilts and like making those too. It's a shame that people are so fixed in their opinions but that happens the world over about everything.

[fiona j.]

I just finished the movie, and thought it was really great. It wasn't really a film about quilting - it was a film about 3 quilters. Viewed from that perspective, I think it was really great. And hopefully, we can have a film made about quilting or the quilting industry as a whole.

My first (and only, so far) trip to Houston was when Hollis won Best of Show the first time. That was in 2004, and all the talk was - but is that a quilt. As a former art gallery owner, all I can say is - It was STUNNING! Hollis' work is truly moving - and - it falls squarely in the definition of a quilt. The fact that she uses every ounce of talent in the making of the quilt just furthers the perspective that she deserves to win.

The most beautiful point that the film made was that there really is room for everyone. The fact that Hollis didn't win in that show really indicates that quilting as a juried art form - which is what we are talking about when we look at Houston - is broad and open, and is as much about the technique and skill of fiber arts as it is about the appearance or beauty.

Thank you TQS for making this available to us. My subscription here is the best $42 I've ever spent!