Quilting in America™ 2010 survey shows industry worth $3.6 billion annually

Quilting in America™ 2010 survey shows industry worth $3.6 billion annually

by Debi Rodriguez on Friday, August 26, 2011 at 7:49am

“Dedicated Quilter” spending rises

Quilting in America™ 2010 survey shows

industry worth $3.6 billion annually

HOUSTON – May 20, 2010 – Quilting enthusiasts spend almost $3.6 billion annually on their passion, proof that the vibrant art of quilting is both alive and thriving in the United States, even in the face of the recent economic challenges all across the country. According to the just-released Quilting in America™2010 survey, enthusiasts’ spending has increased by 9% since the release of the last survey results in 2006.

“I’ll admit, I was concerned that the news might not look good given the economic realities,” says Karey Bresenhan, President of Quilts, Inc., which produces the consumer show International Quilt Festival and trade show International Quilt Market. The company, along with the consumer magazine Quilters Newsletter, published by enthusiast media company Creative Crafts Group, sponsored the independent survey. “But as a fifth-generation quilter myself, I should have known better. Nothing keeps quilters from enjoying something that allows them to explore both their talents and their creativity.”

The survey results showed that numbers were up from 2006 in several other categories as well. The number of U.S. households with a “Dedicated Quilter” (one who spends more than $600 annually on quilting supplies) is a little over one million (up 13%), and the average yearly expenditure is $2442 (up 10%). ...

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Click here for the complete article: http://www.quilts.com/newHome/news/viewer.php?page=../../pressreleases/y2010/quiltingInAmerica

On the Frame

On the frame today: charity quilt. When I received this job I found that the batting was too small to use. The batting and backing should be cut 3 - 5 inches larger all around than the quilt top. I have a roll of batting so I just cut a new piece. The backing is very small, too, with only an inch of play all the way around. That's why I have the grippers aligned with only one row: I'll be quilting only one small row at a time. I won't use a very "heavy" design. Heavy designs tend to pull the quilt in toward the center and because the backing is "small" I'll need to take care that this doesn't happen. In other words, there is little "wiggle room," but I'll make it work!

Quilty hugs!