Just finished watching and I thought it was very nice - I wasn't distracted by any controversy (but I like a some chatter and the pot stirred a little). It did feel a little forced.

Hollis was so gracious, Randall was fun, and Caryl was ever the quilting goddess she's been for me for 20+ years.

The movie made me want to go to Houston. But was that the point? Or was it that our industry is very strong and should be taken seriously? Or that judging is subjective? Or that quilters are passionate? Or that we have and need both a left and a right? Or that we're all a little odd?

Did you hear Caryl talk briefly about Finding Balance? <gasp> I got so excited, I almost peed a little... I know she was talking about my blog.

Doriletter, I agree that what we pay for our membership is the best quilting investment I make every year! Hands down, no argument, nothing else comes close!
Lynn

I just finished watching "stitched" and it blew me away. Seeing Hollis and Caryl and Randall's work process was wonderful and very moving to me. They got very deeply involved in bringing their vision to life in a finished quilt. When I saw the three of them hunched over their sewing machines, quilting away, it reminded me of how I feel when I am machine quilting.
I think that the traditional quilters that were interviewed were not necessarily representative of traditional quilters in general. The controversy may have been inserted to make the movie more interesting to non quilters? To me, if it has two layers and is held together by thread, it's a quilt and I can admire it. Lots of room for us all!
Thank you, TQS for letting us see this film!

PS Loved the shots of Ricky throughout the film and his Honorable Mention award.

Kathy

I watched Stitched last night. I enjoyed how they followed the 3 quilters and I liked seeing where & how they work. It is great seeing the little snippets of the judging process as well. I would have loved to hear more from the judges. I have no idea why they put in the controversy between art & traditional quilts. : I know there are those on both sides but I've never seen it lived out in such a crabby way. That part was totally unnecessary to me. I like both styles.

I was at Paducah the year Hollis had her exhibit at the Nat'l Quilt Museum. Stunning! My Paducah friend waited for me to view the museum as I had a free ticket in with my travel package. So I was alone, it was quiet there, the AC was wonderful. What a delight to see her pieces up close.

I would love to be able to enter shows & teach & travel with all that. I think life is too short....

I just finished the movie, and thought it was really great. It wasn't really a film about quilting - it was a film about 3 quilters. Viewed from that perspective, I think it was really great. And hopefully, we can have a film made about quilting or the quilting industry as a whole.

My first (and only, so far) trip to Houston was when Hollis won Best of Show the first time. That was in 2004, and all the talk was - but is that a quilt. As a former art gallery owner, all I can say is - It was STUNNING! Hollis' work is truly moving - and - it falls squarely in the definition of a quilt. The fact that she uses every ounce of talent in the making of the quilt just furthers the perspective that she deserves to win.

The most beautiful point that the film made was that there really is room for everyone. The fact that Hollis didn't win in that show really indicates that quilting as a juried art form - which is what we are talking about when we look at Houston - is broad and open, and is as much about the technique and skill of fiber arts as it is about the appearance or beauty.

Thank you TQS for making this available to us. My subscription here is the best $42 I've ever spent!

I enjoyed it but did get frustrated by the art/ traditional arguments! Both sides had such closed minds. I love traditional work and am working on my handquilting but I also enjoy art quilts and like making those too. It's a shame that people are so fixed in their opinions but that happens the world over about everything.

Well said, Dawn! Yeah, it whetted my appetite to go to Houston too.

I did enjoy the movie! It just whetted my appitite for Houston Festival! But, I have to say that I felt sorry for those quilters in the movie who have not realized that there is so much more to quilts than just putting them on the bed or wrapping up in them. Although I admire hand quilting as well as traditional, I seriously doubt Houston would have broken attendence records with only hand quilted bedspreads. I am always amazed every year as to how creative quilters have become. There is a surprise around every corner, and down every isle at the major quilt shows. And, just when you think you've seen it all, there is a new, creative technique staring you in the face, making you wonder "How did she (he) do that?" So, you take classes to learn, and stretch you mind. I liked the art vs traditional controversy. It shows us our quilting roots, and how far we have come. Some have just not come along with us and are happy living in the past. They are comfortable there. As for me, I like working outside of the box, stretching out, trying new things, and of course adding a little bit of bling! That's just who I am!

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

Oh dear - now I have two more things to do: 1) I have to watch this movie. 2) I have to make sure that Sequana never sees me naked. :shock:

A big AMEN to that ! Couldn't have said it better !

Enjoyed it so much and MANY THANKS to TQS for sharing it with us! Another of the many exquisite treats you provide every year!

As for the controversy over art vs. traditional.........I let that one go right past my ears at warp speed! I'd rather be quilting than spending time on that discussion. For those that don't like art quilts ---- don't look. For those that don't like traditional quilts --- don't look.

For all the rest of us..---ENJOY the medium. Life's too short to worry about it!

Oh, and since I live in Houston, it did make me appreciate the 'wonder' of what we have in our own backyard here with IQF. I guess I take it for granted and just plan on a few days of parking fees, tired feet, glorious quilts, and friends (old and new!) I just wish I had a hotel room to go to to rest my weary feet mid-day! ha

Lynn

i very much enjoyed the movie - thank you TQS for making it possible for us to see it - way cool

having read this thread before watching - i obviously "looked out" for the trad-vs-art controversy and i feel rather sorry for the traditional folk - i think the editing was very biased as i really can't believe that most quilters are this "left or right" minded.

i truly believe that there is a place for all of us and for every method we've the possibility of using - i look forward to seeing (in whichever life i'll be in at that time) what new creations and inventions come out in the next 5 to 500 years - and what the wonderful brothers and sisters of our future will create with these.

I really did enjoy this movie. I have lived through all the controvercy of old and new methods and techniques. Those who can not accept and move forward are usually those who are afraid they will not be good at doing new things. I truly admire their beautiful handwork but it isn't the only way things can be done. I am so greatfull for those who are willing to step out and bring us new ideas. This quilter will always be looking for creative and inovative ways to do things, while also doing the traditional. Thank you God, for choices in our lives.

I saw the movie in Paducah this year and appreciated the window it opened onto the creative process of three great quilters. I agree, however, that too much time was spent on the "controversy" over art vs. traditional quilting. I thought we were done with all that. I feel terribly sorry for any quilter out there who still refuses to accept that the quilting tent is large enough for all of us and that there are quilts all around us - both traditional and contemporary - that we can appreciate for their artistry and workmanship. The editing made them come across as such sourpusses. I hope they are not really like that.

BTW, my husband and I make a very short appearance in one of the scenes at the National Quilt Museum. Did you catch us? Also note that one of krwatts' quilts - Tangerine Dream - showed in the scene illustrating quilts arriving at the show.