RICKY ON SUNDAY MORNING!

[Wanda M.]

"It's hard to believe that a $4 million industry is a dying industry."

I sure hate to correct you but it's a $4 Billion (with a B!) industry! That's quite a difference!

From what I've read, quilting is the third most popular hobby, the third biggest, spending wise! Woodworking has the biggest spenders. My husband is a woodworker and we sure spend money on our hobbies. He's spent more than I have on tools and machines and I've spent more than he has on materials!

JoAnne

[Eileen K.]

Maybe now I can contact my local PBS station about having some quilting shows. Three years ago when I asked, they told me that there wasn't enough interest in the NY metro area. :shock: Maybe I'll include the link :wink: and then they can rethink their policies.
eileenkny 8)

[Judy M.]

I think the quilting industry was worried that younger people weren't getting involved in quilting and their customers were getting older and not buying as much. I just read recently, though, that the International Quilt Festival in Houston saw alot younger quilters than ever before in 2007--that's good news!

[Judy M.]

Judy, I noticed a lot more younger quilters at the Paducah show in 2007 also. Twelve years ago, I was one of those younger ones when I first started.....I guess now I'm a middle-aged one.

Dana in Olive Branch, MS

[Judy M.]

Dana, you'll always be young!!! It's good news that you saw younger quilters at Paducah--I can't imagine this wonderful craft dying out. :cry: I taught two of my granddaughters to hand piece and sew on the machine. I'm hoping to teach another two granddaughters how to use the machine this summer. They wouldn't have the patience to handpiece like the first two, but if I can just spark some interest. I feel it's important to pass my love of needlework down the generations. Quilting has given me such joy for over 25 yrs. and I want to pass a little of that joy to my grandchildren. They all have quilts I've made them, too. Maybe they'll make quilts for THEIR children and grandchildren!

[Judy M.]

Judy, I just always look for somebody to teach about quilting. I love it so much for what it has brought to my life. I want everybody else to experience it as well. It's great that you can share it with grandchildren. I hope to do that someday.

Dana in Olive Branch, MS