Quilters Going Strong

Survey Says Quilters Going Strong in America; In a 12-month period, the Dedicated Quilter bought an average 99 yards of fabric, according to The Quilting in America™ 2017 Survey released in October.

The Dedicated Quilter is described as female, age 63, with 19 years experience; she spends nearly $3,400 a year pursuing her hobby.

In ranking quilting styles, the Dedicated Quilter prefers traditional quilting (85 percent), modern quilting (37%) and art quilting (20%). 97% of Dedicated Quilters are purchasing fabric, batting and thread in person, mostly at retail locations. Still, 68% of Dedicated Quilters purchase items online.

There are 7 to 10 million quilters in the United States, and 6 to 8.3 million quilting households.  Quilting households spent an average $442 each on quilting-related purchases in 2017, an increase of 48% from 2014.  At $3.7 billion, spending across the entire quilting industry held steady from the 2014 figure of $3.6 billion.  Of the $3.7 billion, Dedicated Quilters spent $2.6 billion (or 72%). 

64% of survey respondents cited quilting-related websites as good resources, up from 28% in 2014.  52% watch online quilting classes and videos, up from 30% in 2014.  They spend 7.9 hours a week visiting online quilting sites, up from 2.5 hours a week in 2014.

Within the Dedicated Quilter segment, there is a growing group of quilters under age 45. While they spend only 10% less than quilters in the higher age bracket, they spend more time visiting quilting-related websites and online videos. Modern is their preferred quilting style. 

The Quilting in America™ 2017 Survey is sponsored in part by Quilts, Inc., which hosts the annual International Quilt Festivals. The 2017 survey is the eighth in a series of studies conducted since 1994. The research was conducted by ORC International and Advantage Research, Inc.

2017 Challenge Results

Our December meeting is our annual holiday lunch, Incentive Awards, and Challenge reveal.  

We had 14 entries in the Challenge with three prizes to award.  During the break after the program meeting, members were asked to look at the entries.  There was a slip at each place setting to record the numbers for first and second choices.  After voting, put the slip of paper in the ballot box.  During lunch, the votes were tallied and the winners announced following lunch. 

Each member who entered the Challenge displayed their entry and told us the story of their inspiration.  All the entries were lovely.  

Jane announced the results of the Challenge voting.   

Joan Hardy took first place!  Her fabric was dyed using an ice technique and the pear was a collage of strips.

Tie for second!  Annette Pierce entered a Dresden table runner and Jane Brough entered her wedding collage.   
These ladies will put their gift certificates to Stitch N Quilt to good use.  The challenge was a great display of the talent, creativity, and skill in the Guild.

Congratulations to One of Our Own

The Georgia National Fair is held each Fall in Perry, Georgia.  The Fair hosts over 450,000 visitors each year.  It has an extensive Home Arts competition drawing quilts from all over Georgia.  The competition is fierce.  

We are very proud of our member, Rhonda Stephenson, who received three ribbons.  

Rhonda received a Second Place Ribbon for her large Civil War Quilt called Letters to a Soldier.

She received a Third Place Ribbon for her small wall hanging quilt called Texas Hope.

Lastly, she received an Honorable Mention Ribbon for her large quilt called Indian Blanket.  

Rhonda used the Square In A Square technique from Jodi Barrows' books.  The names of the quilts are from Jodi's pattern names.  
When asked about her experience entering the Fair, Rhonda encouraged us to enter our quilts.  She said the process was easy as several quilt shops in the metro Atlanta area collect quilts and take them to the Fair.  She said the satisfaction of being rewarded for her talent validates her love of quilting.
Congratulations, Rhonda!