In the most recent newsletter from Electric Quilt there appeared an archived article from 1994, by Penny McMorris, (Penny@EQ – the lady behind the incomparably helpful tech support). It was in a bit of a Nostradamus style – a prediction of quiltmaking in 2010. Most - if not all - of it is dauntingly accurate! In the introduction Penny refers to a friend appearing on her computer monitor, calling from Australia. Unheard of back then, a daily occurrence now!
Penny goes on to discuss the innovations ahead, by comparing those of the past – we can laugh as we look back at how we thought photocopy machines and CD-ROMs were so sophisticated! Some of our partners probably agree with the 19th century Quiltmaker who declared sewing machines to be ‘the work of the devil’! She must be spinning madly in her grave with what is on the market now!
One point to reflect upon is Penny’s musing that the encouragement of the development of innovative quilting products and tools will attract younger generations to quiltmaking, thus adding to its history. It was, and remains, an accurate statement. We need to keep it exciting, rewarding, challenging and attractive. We can keep tradition as well as open up new categories and change restrictions. The great joy is having a choice! There is room for everyone, and there is art in every quilt format.
Some of the wondrous predictions from Penny include computer software (such as we see with EQ6), embroidery machines, sewing machines with differential feed, the expansion of mail and computer order shopping (we love that one!), computer classes in quilt shops (April 17 & 18 with Jan T Urquhart Baillie at The Craft Mailbox showroom), and printing from a computer directly onto fabric. I’d say most of her future business plan was listed right there in that article!
I guess the question now is, what will be next...how much further can technology take us? Have a quick read by following this link...well worth the reflection. Julia
Penny goes on to discuss the innovations ahead, by comparing those of the past – we can laugh as we look back at how we thought photocopy machines and CD-ROMs were so sophisticated! Some of our partners probably agree with the 19th century Quiltmaker who declared sewing machines to be ‘the work of the devil’! She must be spinning madly in her grave with what is on the market now!
One point to reflect upon is Penny’s musing that the encouragement of the development of innovative quilting products and tools will attract younger generations to quiltmaking, thus adding to its history. It was, and remains, an accurate statement. We need to keep it exciting, rewarding, challenging and attractive. We can keep tradition as well as open up new categories and change restrictions. The great joy is having a choice! There is room for everyone, and there is art in every quilt format.
Some of the wondrous predictions from Penny include computer software (such as we see with EQ6), embroidery machines, sewing machines with differential feed, the expansion of mail and computer order shopping (we love that one!), computer classes in quilt shops (April 17 & 18 with Jan T Urquhart Baillie at The Craft Mailbox showroom), and printing from a computer directly onto fabric. I’d say most of her future business plan was listed right there in that article!
I guess the question now is, what will be next...how much further can technology take us? Have a quick read by following this link...well worth the reflection. Julia
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