Another article in the magazine says that people don't have time to stitch anymore, that they don't want to spend months working on one project, and that they need instant gratification. And supposedly younger stitchers aren't inspired to stitch, because they can't find projects that suit them.
Both articles have interesting recommendations to bring cross stitch back: cater to the "over-50" crowd by providing easy-to-count fabrics like 11, 10, 8, 7 and even 5-count fabrics. Projects should be small...a "single motif - an initial, a leaf, an inspirational word." They also suggest edgy things like kits being released by Subversive Cross Stitch (with sayings like "Bite Me" and "Get Lost.")
Karen Ancona, editor of CNA, says in her Viewpoint article for this issue that Internet stores can't provide the service of a local shop, and that "The Internet, a few great designs, and some really good products simply won't cut it."
EEEEEK!!!
OK, enough of that. The industry is still having a tough time. But the industry has also been pointing fingers in every direction for a few years. Here's the deal: I stitch because I LOVE TO STITCH! There are a good number of very fine needlework retailers on- and off-line. There are also a lot of fantastic products and designs. And people, as far as I can tell, are still stitching, some more than ever. True, stitchers, overall, are an aging group (wait a minute, so am I!? Darn it!) I know and have met a number of teenagers who love to stitch, too.
Honestly, I think what happened is the 80's and 90's were such a cross stitch boom, and financially everyone was a little better off. By 9/11/01, all of us cross stitchers had more projects and supplies than we could hope to finish in a lifetime. So, people pulled back, partially out of guilt, partially because the economy fell. They stopped buying indiscriminately and started only buying projects they felt strongly about. Some shop owners retired, some refused to either jump on the Internet or failed to properly promote themselves locally (with either poor selections or poor interpersonal skills). And unfortunately some, even with valiant, wonderful, terrific efforts, just couldn't sustain a business with their local traffic. But I don't think anyone should blame the Internet, Hobby Lobby, fine-fabric manufacturers, knitting, or busy lifestyles -- those are all cop-outs.
Teaching Oprah to stitch (as one of these articles suggests) could help in the short-term. But a quick-fix isn't what this industry needs, or wants, for that matter (I fear for the knitting industry...how many fringed scarves can any person need?) Cross stitching isn't going away (nor is knitting, thankfully) -- it's a wonderful hobby that has lasted for centuries. Maybe it's changing. That's OK. Maybe this industry needs a little bit of a shake-down. And there is a real ebb and flow to trends and hobbies. It's OK if stitching is a little less popular than it's been. It's also OK to try other hobbies. I think a lot of people have had kind of a doomsday premonition going on, and that just won't happen.
I do truly hope you have time to stitch in your week. If not, why not schedule some regular stitching time for yourself? It's been shown to lower blood pressure, and is a great way to pass some time, thinking, putting colors and stitches in order, and coming out on the other end with something lovely. Set up a party or a retreat, and stitch with some other women (or men!) It's a great way to come together and spread interest. If you don't know any local stitchers, try setting up a group in your community (this could be a formal organization like EGA, or just something you make up!) Continue enjoying your hobby, regularly! :)
© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com