Sunday, July 25, 2004

from the Needles Excellency

Laren posted the following question on her blog. I replied in comments, but wanted to post it here so that I would remember to add to it.

"So my question is, what is your favourite embroidery (ie any stitching form - cross stitch, hardanger etc) magazine and why? How could embroidery magazines in general be improved?"
Having been purchasing various needlework mags since 1986, I feel like I could edit my own. The only mag I am currently subscribing to Sampler and Antique Needlework Quarterly, because I've got a thing for samplers. Fine Lines is also appealing to me, but they have too many designs done by the same people. When you can open the mag, look at a pic and know who did it - that's just too much of the same style over and over. Just Cross Stitch usually has at least one pattern I'm interested in, plus there are those articles by Martha Beth Lewis. I miss the Needleworker.
So if I could be in charge of a needlework mag it would have: a balance of simple and complex designs. A balance of different techniques. Nothing cutesy/country. But would include the occasional humorous design. Informative articles on history, design trends, designer interviews, organizing tips, etc. I'm sure there's more but this is all I've got right now!

1 comment:

Laren said...

Donna,

I have to agree with most of your comments. I think that I am lucky (or cursed depending on your point of view) by being in Australia. We have SO many magazines, its not funny. This includes stitching. For example, two years ago, we had no scrapbooking magazines, now we have more than the USA!

I have yet to find one that had a great balance. I think what I am looking for would be the embroidery equivalent of Quilters Newsletter Magazine.