 | Peggy Engel is the owner of Hen Feathers Quilt Shop, located at 150 N. Rock Road in Wichita. Peggy, a lifelong seamstress, switched her focus a few years ago from clothing to quilt making. She and her daughter, Christie Welch, make up the creative team of Two Chicks Designs, a line of quilting patterns that focus on the fabric rather than difficult designs. You can contact Peggy at (316-652-9599. |
Arts & Crafts
2005-07-01 10:52:00
Why is quilting so popular?
: Why has quilting become so popular in recent years?
ANSWER: In about 1980 the rotary cutter was invented. It works much like a pizza cutter only its use is to cut fabric, not pizza! This cutter and the techniques it enables quilters to accomplish, has shortened the time it takes to make a quilt from months to just days. The fact that a quilt top can be pieced in a reasonable length of time makes it much more fun to create. Machine quilting as opposed to hand quilting has also become much more acceptable and popular. This again shortens the time it takes for a quilt to be completed from months to weeks or even days. Another reason quilting has become so popular, is today's cotton fabrics are so beautiful. From luscious florals to whimsical cats and dogs you can find fabrics to fit everyone's taste and personality. The colors range from vivid to subdued and with proper care they will not washout or fade. The last reason for the popularity of quilting today is the social aspect. Quilting is a great way to meet people through classes, clubs, quilt guilds and small groups. When you meet another quilter you immediately have a common bond and the conversation flows easily. Problems are solved over needle and thread and for a brief time you forget what is bugging you at work or home. Generations are bonded through the shared interests of quilting. Mom may not be interested, but Grandma and granddaughter may both enjoy quilting and share a special relationship because of it that they will always cherish. Quilting is a creative activity and you will be so proud of your first quilt!
