Thursday, February 10, 2011

The Cost of our Craft


My grandmother and mother likely saved a little money as they stitched quilts, garments and other items.
I am not sure that is necessarily true anymore.
Most of my friends and customers sew for the love of it.
Stitching soothes many of our souls.
The creations springing forth from our machines and hands are the legacy we leave to our children and grandchildren.
Our God given talent is a way of giving back, as we stitch Wee Care gowns, quilts and blanket for homeless shelters, or head coverings for cancer patients.
We stitch for many reasons, and saving money may not be at the top of our list.

As a consumer, I cannot help but notice rising costs in all areas of my life.
As a shopowner, I cannot help but hear customers' concerns about the rising cost of fabric and other sewing  notions and supplies.

To help all of us better understand, I wish to share the following articles.
Jim Salinas, in a recent issue of American Quilt Retailer, explains why cotton prices have increased and how this impacts the price of fabric.
His article may be read here.

In addition, American Quilt Retailer, invited industry leaders to share their vewpoints on the current pricing of cotton commodities.
Their comments may be read here.

As many of the industry leaders ommented, the price of fabric has increased little when compared to the rising costs of other items.
We may not follow in the footsteps of our grandmothers and mothers who saved money when sewing.
We can continue to follow in their footsteps to leave a legacy and spread love with our stitching.

May your stitches soothe your soul today, and may the product of your sewing make someone feel special and loved.

7 comments:

Eileen said...

Very interesting read Jan! I hope we all will continue to support our independent shop owners and keep the demand up for the supplies we all know and love. BTW, love the new picture!

Kellie said...

Somethings are just worth the sacrifice! Thanks for the reminder! Happy Stitching!

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

I am sorry to say all but 1 quilt shop remains within an hour driving distance of me and they are having a difficult time. I ask her one day and she said the rising cost of everything hits hard. I have watched 3 close all in the matter of a year and it was hearbreaking. This was 4 years ago so I know it has to be more difficult now.

In past times it was cheaper to sew and created items of clothing/quilts for necessity then came the sewing boom where we all did it for the love. We all watch it being priced even out of our range and find it cheaper to purchase rather than create. Granting, there is no comparison, handmade is always best. Look at all the heirloom items still around for all these generations. You dont see store bought items standing the test of time.

We who love to sew do it for the SOUL and its purpose to make others happy and it leave behind a piece of us. But sorry to say, its hit hard and I have had to cut out spending on fabric just for the love it and use the storage I have.

Prayers for you and your shop.

Claudia said...

Thank you for the link, Jan. I'm going to read it as soon as I finish this comment.

By the way, I love your new profile photo! You look great.

xo
Claudia

Sophia said...

My dad always said that you get what you pay for and that is how I feel about fabric. There is another informative viewpoint on the blog at Whipstitch.com

Saint Nolt Sews said...

I taught a class last summer for friends that did not sew, but their daughters were begging them to learn. I simply told the moms, that God created some people with a deep need to create. If they didn't let their daughters sew, they would find another way to let out the creative desire that God gave them. For those that are gifted in other areas, they cannot understand why you would sew when it doesn't make economic sense. My sweet husband has been very understanding of all of my gifts and desires, and lets me have a good allotment of finances for my playing. Not everyone is that fortunate, but hopefully they will realize the Source of their gifts and use them well.

nonie everythingsewing said...

Thank you for dropping by my blog and reminding me to check out the Bonnie Blue patterns that now come in larger sizes. I am feeling inspiration creeping back in. As far as cost goes, I save where I can but still feel sewing gives the grand kids their one of a kind garments and helps them feel proud so it's worth it.
nonie

Related Posts with Thumbnails