Well hello there! I want to start out this week with a little sneaky peeky of the 4th block on the journey down Briarside Lane. This block will be debuting on Saturday. How are you coming with your other blocks? I know it's the time of year when everyone starts running out of gas for creative things as the warm days and fresh air are calling them outside. Yet another reason Jules and I made this a 6 month project.
Also today, I wanted to share this note I received from Kona Bay fabrics. Not only are quilt shops closing up, but so are fabric manufacturers. I received another notice that Red Rooster fabrics is closing. The times they are a changing. First, many quilters are aging and have sooooooooo much stash, that they are overwhelmed and have decided to reduce what they have and not buy any more. Second, there aren't that many young quilters or young people interested in quilting. If they are, they tend to be attracted to the modern quilting. Also, they don't buy like all of us did. They buy what they need or buy a kit. They don't
collect hoard fabric like we all did. The industry is changing for sure. I noticed it a lot when I vended at the Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival. A lot of the vendors I have seen for 25 years are gone and more said they are retiring within the next year or two. It makes me rather sad to say the least, but I know that nothing stays forever and times change. It will be interesting to see what it is like in the next 5 years.
Here's the letter I received.
After 26 years in the fabric business, it is time for Da Textile Samurai to close down Kona Bay Fabrics. This is our last week.
I'm sure you realize how tough this economy has been for many years and can understand how challenging it has been for so many.
The last few years, in particular, have been very hard but I wasn't ready to quit before I could honestly say that we gave it our all and did what we could to try and keep Kona Bay Fabrics alive. Alas, it just wasn't meant to be.
Many shops have closed during these tough economic times. Attendance at Quilt Market has fallen off over the years. Colleagues and friends whether they be competitors or sales reps have also decided to change their profession and move on.
Having said all this, I look forward to the future and await what it will bring. I'm still young and energetic and am merely ending but one chapter of my life.
What I will miss the most is the friendship that I have made during these past 26 years. Quilt Market was always a time when friends who shared a love for fabric and quilting came together. Speaking to quilt guilds gave me a great opportunity to be with people who love our fabric and always gave so much encouragement and support.
Through our constant emails (and I hope I didn't email you too often), we were able to bond with our friends and supporters and have crazy contests and giveaways.
I will miss the great staff and supporters who really made Kona Bay Fabrics our home for the past 26 years.
I don't know what the future will bring so I don't really think this is good-bye.
For now it is MAHALO for your past support and ALOHA to everyone!!
Douglas
Da Textile Samurai
Kona Bay Fabrics
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So what are your thoughts on all of this?
Hugs,
Michelle
