Status of Quilting

Good morning and happy Tuesday!

After about 2 weeks of spring-like weather, the northeast part of the country is getting a snow storm.  It's a perfect day to stay in and sew (except when you have to take your puppy out).  With that in mind...

Today is a happy day.  Last week I read some positive news and wanted to share it with you.  For the last few years, there has been some speculation that quilting was on the decline again.  The popularity of quilting has often had it's ups and downs throughout history.  

Some of the anxiety about the status of quilting may have been because many small quilt shops closed, especially after the pandemic (and some were struggling and closing even before covid).  We have all seen signs and memes encouraging us to support our local quilt shop.

But the overall status of our world may be positive.

According to all the studies I read, the market size has actually increased.  According to the Craft Alliance study (here) quilting is now a $4.2 billion industry in North America.

Predictions for the global market are positive and expected to continue to expand "at least until 2030."  I liked this article that cited that consumers are actually willing to pay higher prices for handmade quilts.

I've heard over and over again how the British monarchy survived because they changed with the times and modernized.  It appears our quilt industry also did that as well.  Quilting has survived because of innovations and quilters embracing more digital aspects of the market.

Still there are downsides to the age of covid.  Attendance at quilt shows and guilds have decreased.  The Craft Alliance study indicated that 51% of the participants in their study did not feel comfortable at large gatherings.  Most of the studies indicate that the largest population of quilters are over 55 years old.

There is an additional con to the innovations.  Most of us realize that the book market for quilting has declined drastically.  The studies do not indicate that the price of fabric could be considered cost prohibitive especially for new (younger) quilters that have budgetary considerations.

Still, there are more positives than negatives as we continue to cut and sew our fabric blocks together.  

Have a safe and happy day!