Stitch 'n Dish

Category: Current Events

  • My latest library finds

    My latest library finds

    Like other fiber arts activities, quilting has moved being from a necessary skill to an artistic endeavor. As such, we should choose the path less traveled, take chances with designs as well as fabric combinations, and enjoy ourselves!

  • Education, training, or just another money grab?

    Education, training, or just another money grab?

    I have been digging into the back story on a popular fiber arts product that went VIRAL after being on Shark Tank. I have been exploring this recent phenomenon and started with their origin story. According to available public information, the founders left high-profile jobs (one at Google UX and the other at Deutsche Bank/Wall…

  • A quilting we will go

    A quilting we will go

    My sister and I are signed up to attend another 2-day, “sleep in your own bed” quilting retreat at the end of September. We attended our FIRST one back in March, and had a blast! The same local quilt shop is offering the Fall retreat, so we’ve begun to plan our retreat projects. We’re planning…

  • A question of value(s)

    A question of value(s)

    In today’s blog post we explore overpriced designer handbags, the acrylic vs. natural yarn debate, yarn shop snobbery, and the StevenBe controversy.

  • No answers

    No answers

    …if we all do a little, together we can make a difference for the small fiber arts businesses in our areas and beyond.

  • The best things

    The best things

    This past weekend my sister surprised me with a little gift. It was something she made to support a treat I have been getting for myself. I have become a fan of the cold “refresher” drinks that many restaurants are tempting us with this Summer. I love the ones at Starbucks, but admit that at…

  • How Marketing Shapes What We Buy (and Why It Shouldn’t)

    How Marketing Shapes What We Buy (and Why It Shouldn’t)

    In this blog post, I explore how easily fiber‑arts consumers are nudged into buying tools and materials that don’t necessarily improve our craft. From scarcity language to influencer hype, the marketing around “designer” hooks, needles, and boutique yarns often shapes our spending more than actual performance of the items. This post examines what truly matters…

  • Unintended consequences

    Unintended consequences

    If ALL of us do a little, (supporting our local fabric and yarn shops) is not a hard task. It just takes each of us remembering to think of our local fabric and yarn shops, and give them some of our time, attention and (of course), money!

  • A question of value

    A question of value

    While browsing social media over the weekend, I came across an ad for a Coach handbag. It piqued my interest because it looked very much like a crocheted bag. I became curious about the price of it, due to recent conversations around the VALUE of handmade items, specifically crocheted ones. The bag, pictured here, is…

  • A twist on an old favorite

    A twist on an old favorite

    The great irony I find in all of this is that people often engage in fiber arts for comfort and creative expression. Winding up in a group or space that treats a wonky granny square like a moral failing isn’t what most of those folks were likely seeking.