Who is Learning to Sew?

“Young people aren’t learning to sew” or “Quilting is a dying art” is often said to me when someone learns I quilt or that I taught sewing. And it is true that the numbers of youth learning to sew is much lower than it was in the 20th century. But, after being part of two county 4-H fairs this summer, I know that there are children and teens sewing! And they are sewing some amazing garments, quilts and accessories. Where did they learn to sew since many of the public schools have closed the traditional Family and Consumer (Home Economics) classes such as sewing? The top two answers I hear when I ask the young people are Grandma and YouTube–with YouTube being the most popular answer! Yep, YouTube is the “go-to” source of “how-to” for everything from loading string on a weed eater to crocheting cute little critters.

I also want to give a shout out or give a loud “yea!” to 4-H Leaders who spend hours helping seven and eight year olds make pot holders and reading pillows. These very basic skills bloom over the years into some amazing work by older teens. The best of show at one fair was a quilt made by a 15 year. I had to look long and hard to find something to “suggest” she do differently next time. (And she was very willing to learn how to evenly line up blocks with sashing in-between. Most adult would not have been as gracious.). At the second fair, the top quilt was by a 18 who will be off to college this fall and can’t decide if she wants to study political science or fashion design. I have a hunch she would excel in either.

As to “quilting being a dying art”, just get on the internet and check out a few of Instagram reels or posts with the tag line of quilting. Go the web sites of the well known fabric companies and check out the fabric designers! For the most part, they are persons in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Read quilting blogs—less popular now because the younger generations like the easy and speed or Instagram or Threads– but there are many authored by Generation X and Z or Millennials. Yes, the members of quilting guilds or circles are usually Baby Boomers and persons born on either side of the 1946 to 1964. Why? because the Generation X, Z and Millennials are still in the work force and often have young families at home. But that doesn’t mean they are not quilting using any spare minutes they might have; they just don’t have the luxury of spending hours with other quilters.

Persons will argue the number of quilt fabric stores are on a sharp decline. But across the retail vista, brick and mortar stores are closing due to the popularity of on-line shopping. I try to support my local quilt stores but it is sooo easy to order the special print fabric I need at 11 pm on-line..in my pjs.

Learning to sew or crochet or knit at 10 years of age may not result in a life long hobby. But anytime a child is exposed to something new—music lessons, cooking, horse back riding–their brains become even more receptive to “thinking out side the box” and creative problem solving– two skills that are very important in adulthood!

So what new projects did the Quilters at First contribute to the Sale this week?

Baby quilts were popular.

Perfect for a newborn–and especially if you do not know the gender, this 33″ x 33″ pinwheel quilt has pink, teal, purple, blue and yellow as does the floral print flannel on the back. It is machine washable. $40

Pink “coins” have green accent blocks for visual interest. This cozy 47″ x 49″ quilt is backed with a solid pink fleece. Machine quilted and hand bound, it is machine washable. $60

Well, this is a cute as a bug!

How about four bugs….do caterpillars count as bugs? They are dancing around a field of pinwheels. The machine quilting adds texture to this fun gender neutral quilt. It is hand bound. The quilt measures 38″ x 38″ and is $75. Interested? They are so cute, they may not be around during the quilt sale in October.

Beautiful rich batiks in shades of brown were used for this lap size quilt. The backing glows. The use of light and dark colors create the predominate design. It would “work” especially well in a contemporary setting or in a guy’s room. 60″ x 70″. $150

The appliqué master contributed this wall hanging.

SNOW –appliquéd on flannel and in muted colors is so soft! It evokes a still winter evening after a snow storm. The machine embroidery adds special details. It is 9″ x 32″– and $50.

Towel are functional–but they can add to your seasonal decor. These hand towels have been trimmed with summer and fall prints.

Each is $6—hint, hint–they make great hostess gifts or even serve as gift wrapping!

Did you know there is only 83 days before the QUILTS ETC SALE ? Hope it on your calendar. I don’t believe we have ever had as many items as we do this year! Something for everyone!!