As with all directors/ documentary / film pieces they had a POV (point of view) TO promote. Movie makers usually use what clips that prove their POV. They probably filmed this to appeal to the general audience / film critics because they did put it up for awards in their own fields. Controversy sells and adds drama.

We quilters know what we want to learn more about... ie how the quilts are judged.... how the quilters do their work... What are the processes... Interesting to us but maybe not award winning. I would think it is hard to depict a thought process .... it is more dramatic to have action and controversy.

I think it is good to have documentaries ... TO GET THE WORD OUT to the non quilting community that this is a thriving industry... which as they pointed out spends money and drives the economy.... more then golfers, hunters and men.

Maybe this was not so good .... some husbands might get a rude awakening. But then again all they would have to do is.... PAY ATTENTION to what goes on in their own home.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the movie - thanks TQS.

But since coming and reading the various posts here, it has got me critically analyzing what I saw. Because the 3 quilters they chose to follow were all machine 'art' quilters, this was the main 'drive' of the type of quilts that were held up as the style to aim for, I wish that there could have been more mention of hand-work, in a more positive light than that which was shown, which upon reflection was as a bunch of crabby old stick-in-the-muds. It was interesting that there was a comment that there were complaints that too many 'traditional' style quilts had won at Houston last year, because Houston was for 'Art' quilts and Paducah was for the 'traditional' ones! It seems to me a case of
'moan, grumble,moan; It's being so cheerful that keeps me going!'

I admit that all my recent quilting is machine work not hand work, but I prefer the space between the lines of stitching that is prevelant in the handstitching styles, rather than the solid lines upon lines of stitching that is the norm of machine quilting (which I can achieve on my thread saver when chain stitching) But it might be that I am mixing up wall and bed quilts.

I watched it. I found it interesting. I liked parts of it but I really disliked the thread throughout about the tension between traditional quilters and art quilts. I do not believe it is anything as strong as they seemed to indicate. I also didn't like the almost political viewpoint...like you have to see the world in a certain way to be a winning art quilter in particular.

I would have liked to have seen more interviews of different quilters and more interviews of the judges and what they look for. There are so many wonderful things happening in quilting today. While they touched on that a bit, it was a very light touch and I would have liked to have seen more about that. Still, like I said, it was interesting and I am delighted to have had the chance to see it.

Thanks TQS for that opportunity.

I just finished watching Stitched and I really enjoyed it. It was so informative, funny at times and inspirational. Many thanks to TQS for making this wonderful movie available to our subscribers/fellow quilters.

I just watched Stitched and I really enjoyed it! I was interested in what they had to say about the "battle" between traditional and art quilting. I consider every quilt to be a work of art, whether it's destined for a wall or destined for a bed, but I understand some of the distinction. I love both types, and am always interested in how they are made. Of course, some quilts speak to me and some just don't. That's the way of art. And I try to stress to my friends who are just beginning their quilting journeys that there is no right or wrong to how they design their quilts. If they like it, then it is a success. (And I always say that, when making snuggle or bed quilts, go ahead and try whatever you want because in the end, even if the colors don't work, it will still be warm!)

I guess I've gone off on a tangent, but I loved the movie and so had to start typing.

Nancy

I watched it first thing this morning...even before I had breakfast! I had mixed emotions about it. I would loved to have seen more of the quilt making process and not so much about the art vs. traditional quilting controversy. There is obviously a place in this world for everyone's quilts and I thought that was focused on a little too much since there was so much else that could have been included to offer a lot more impact. I adore Carol and Holli's pieces and I would like to learn more about Randall. It was fun seeing Ricky there!

While it was interesting to watch these three, big time quilters, as they worked to get their quilts to Houston; it seemed to leave me feeling like anything I could make would never make the standard of Houston.

I just watched it, I really liked it. I have never been to any of the big shows like that, so it was really cool to get a look at one. I would love to go to Houston! I guess they wanted to highlight the "controversy" of the art vs traditional quilts. I really don't think you can compare the traditional quilts with the art quilts, they are just two completely different types of quilts. I actually love them both. I am totally impressed by the imagination that goes into the art quilts and the traditional quilts will always be amazing.

Watched Stitch this morning. I really did like it. Carol has been a hero of mine since I ran into her web site just browsing the internet. I went back time after time trying to soak up the color and inspiration, so creative and talented. I think the traditional vs. art quilts controversy will always be around. Really they are two different venues that need their own place and rewards. I love and admire both and hope to become more artsy in the future. Thank you for the gift of viewing this cool film.
Debby

I loved the movie! Made me want to get out my sewing machine and get to work. Very inspiring to see the table top machine quilting work and I love Carol's idea of the clamp! Every art form has controversy with new vs. traditional. I found that each "camp" had their justified POVs. I'm thrilled they made the movie and could have watched more footage of the show and quilters. Thanks so much for providing access.

It was not exactly a "feel good" movie for me. Yes, the quilts looked wonderful - but there always seemed to be some sort of controversy. I really don't ever want to meet any of those crabby older ladies with their closed minds about anything but hand quilting. Plus - SO many overweight people. No wonder our health care expenses are so high.

I'm not sure I'll even recommend this movie to any of my friends. I was pretty glad when it was over. Oh....I liked Randall a lot.

Thanks Mary Kay! I didn't even see it there!

If you want to watch Stitched and you are a member, just click on the 3 faces with STITCHED underneath the navigation bar in the Daily Blog.

I saw the premiere at the Cincinnati show in the Spring. It's a wonderful look into a level of quilting most of us only aspire to, but it offers a great look into the creative process that is part of every quilter. If you're into Country Western music, you'll absolutely love the sound track on this film. Well worth the time to view (and to listen to).