I made the time to watch the movie last night. I enjoyed learning that quilting is an 3.58 BILLION dollar 'hobby'. I told this to my husband and he said that's a lot of wasted money. I have to laugh because we are living the exact controversy the film highlighted. My husband is definitely a traditionalist -- "quilts are for beds!" while I believe that quilting is an art form no matter how you choose to display it.

I wish the producers had chosen at least one traditional quilter to follow instead of 3 'art' quilters. I believe that the producers showed only a very narrow tunnel into this thing called 'quilting'. We are a very diverse group of people and the producers failed to show that. (Did you notice how all the traditionalists seem to be conservative little old ladies, while the artists were younger vibrant people? My husband is not a little old lady ...)

The film did make me feel like I could never produce a quilt worthy of Houston, but made me want to go one day. Very sad that the Chicago show moved ... .

Thank-you TQS for making it available.

I loved this movie , I have seen it twice. I like the fact that it shows the rest of the world how versitle quilter's are. I like the fact that it shows no matter which method art or traditional --- quilting is more then a bed cover ..... it is a art.
I also think that it showed the love and emotion that quilters have in their work.

My favorite part ..... is where the ladies are all gathered at Caryl's in the evening and chattting. Love the group ..... did you notice there was art and traditional quilters in the group , hanging out ?.

Thank you TQS .......... I adore this community also.

Let's see... um, the gym... or the hot glue gun and some paint sticks... ??? Next thing, Lorchen, you're going to tell me to wear purple with a red hat. (BTW - I've missed you. How's Sherwood?)

Perhaps Robin Hood could come fix our economy...

Lorchen wrote:
This is getting better and better with each post! I'm lovin' it all! C'mon fellas, we know you're out there...Keith was brave enough to get the ball rolling for you guys...so get involved with the fun! What do you think about "Stitched"?

I don't know what Keith is so worried about..... Any bulges can be ironed out, and any imperfections can be embellished and turned into drop-dead-gorgeous design features. So, Keith, go on, come out of your cupboard and live on the edge!

Keith wrote:
First of all, I am literally LOL at Keith's remark!!! and I loved the movie! I ordered the DVD before it was even finished because I saw the film crew in Houston and knew whatever they were doing was going to be interesting. I was sitting behind Sharon Shamber at the awards ceremony, so it brings back major goosebumps for me to watch the film. I was also fascinated to see the judging process. I think anyone who is into quilting would enjoy this movie. And if you are on the fence about going to Houston, this film answers the question....GO!!!

It took me all week; but I finally watched all of "Stitched" and I enjoyed every minute of it. I'm glad that there are different opinions/techniques out in the quilting world. How boring it would be if we only quilted one way!

Nancy, I sure hope you can make it to Houston. You will have a grand time.

dagmar.eu wrote:
Marianne,

Please never say "never". If you really want to go, you can make it happen. I've not been to Houston yet, but it is on my "To Do" list. I have been to Paducah, once, and had so much fun that I planned to go back this year. My tickets were bought and hotel suite reserved, but the floods required my hotel to close. So, since I didn't make it to Paducah this year, I might now try to get to Houston.

I too enjoyed the film, "Stitched", particularly since I've never been to the Houston show and was unaware of how the quilt judging process works. My favorite part was when Sharon Schamburg talked about being a quilting savant and mentioned her condition that causes all of her senses to fuse, such that she smells color. After seeing some of her quilts up close and personal, I knew that Sharon was superhuman. It was very interesting to me to get a peep into the personal lives of these three quilters, to better understand and appreciate their artwork. During the segments on Caryl Bryer Fallert, I couldn't help but think about Faith Ringgold, who I had an opportunity to meet at one of her quilt exhibits and lectures.

To allow others an opportunity to win, it seems to me that after winning in a particular category in a given quilt show, a quilter should not be allowed to repeatedly enter in that same category . Personally, I have no interest in participating in a quilting competition. However, for those who do, it's probably very intimidating to know that they might be competing against three time award winners.

Yes, just finished watching "Stitched". It started out slow and I thought I wasn't going to like it, but then it really got interesting with the controversial art quits. I guess I didn't realize that quilting could be so controversial. A quilt is three layers a front, a back and a filling. How the front, back and the filling are done be it traditional or an art quilt is up to that person's own creative process. (Now that I wrote that I remember the counterpane quilts. Hey another controversial quilt category.)

I did think that the traditional quilters were portrayed as a bite narrow minded.

I just now watched "Stitched". I was blown away by the kindness of Caryl, Hollis and Randall. They are competitors but you would not know it. They were generous, supportive and encouraging to each other. What a nice way to live your life. I read all 50 posts on this topic over the past week and was expecting CONTROVERSY. So they mentioned a couple of times there are art quilters and traditional quilters...and you know what? There are!
This will be mt first time at Houston and I can't wait. I am so happy to be able to go and can't wait to meet everyone. I think this movie proves quilters are a great group of people.
Barbara

I just finished watching it the whole way through and I absolutely loved it! There will always be differences of opinion but that's what makes us all who we are, right? I've loved Caryl's and Hollis' work for many years and I want to know more about Randall.
I would swear that the living room the hand quilters were sitting in, the one with the fireplace, was Sue Garman's. I'm probably wrong but it sure looked like it.

Thanks to ARJJ for giving us this wonderful gift. Now I''m even more excited and impatient to get to Festival. It can't come fast enough for me!!!

Loved your post, Diane, and I totally agree. I thought Stitched was fascinating. BTW the baby in your profile picture is so-o-o adorable!

I really enjoyed 'Stitched" - the artists studios are wonderful and it was good to hear them talking about their quilts. I visited the Houston show in 1993, the film reminded me how BIG the show is. I would have liked to see more close-ups of the quilting, overall the movie was very enjoyable. (even caught a fleeting glimpse of Ricky)