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Week 2:  The American Quilting Society and Censorship, The Rise of Community Art Spaces, Joann's Store Closing List

 

American Quilter's Society:  A Legacy of Censorship

Censorship in the quilting community has once again become a contentious issue, following recent actions by the American Quilter's Society (AQS) to exclude specific artworks from their exhibitions. This pattern of suppression raises significant concerns about artistic freedom and the role of quilting as a medium for social commentary.

Recent Incidents of Censorship

In February 2025, during the AQS QuiltWeek event in Daytona Beach, Florida, two quilts from the "Color in Context: Red" exhibition, curated by the Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA), were removed due to their subject matter. The quilts in question were "Your Mother. Your Daughter. Your Sister. Your Grandmother. You." by Laura Shaw and "Origin" by Yvonne Iten-Scott.

Laura Shaw, Quilt, Your Mother. Your Daughter. Your Sister. Your Grandmother. You

 

Laura Shaw's quilt addresses reproductive rights through a series of red and white patchwork squares. Despite its abstract nature, the AQS deemed the content controversial and excluded it from the show. This decision has been criticized for stifling discourse on important social issues.

Similarly, Yvonne Iten-Scott's "Origin," a three-dimensional abstract piece, was censored based on interpretations of its form. The artist describes the work as representing beginnings and connections, yet it was removed due to perceived inappropriate imagery.

Historical Context

The AQS has a history of censoring quilts that tackle provocative themes. In 1994, Jonathan Shannon's "Amigos Muertos," a tribute to artists who died from AIDS and cancer, was rejected from an AQS show, sparking debates about the organization's commitment to artistic expression.

More recently, in 2016, artist Kathy Nida had her quilts removed from an AQS exhibition in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her works, which explore environmental and political themes, were pulled after complaints about their content, highlighting ongoing tensions between artistic intent and public reception.

Community Response

The quilting community has expressed significant concern over these acts of censorship. Susan Purney Mark, reflecting on the recent exclusions, emphasized that censorship contradicts the core values of organizations like SAQA, which aim to support artistic and professional growth among quilters. 

Similarly, the Artquiltmaker Blog highlighted the personal impact of such censorship, noting the confusion and pain artists experience when their work is removed from public view. The blog advocates for open dialogue and mutual understanding to address differing perspectives on controversial art.

The Role of Quilting in Social Commentary

Quilting has long served as a medium for personal expression and social commentary. The suppression of quilts that address sensitive topics not only undermines the artists' voices but also diminishes the rich tradition of quilting as a platform for dialogue and change.

As the quilting community continues to navigate these challenges, it becomes imperative to uphold the principles of artistic freedom and to foster environments where diverse perspectives can be shared and respected.

What do you think?

Censorship in quilting raises critical questions about artistic freedom, public reception, and the role of craft in social discourse. What do you think? Have you ever encountered censorship in quilting or another craft? Should quilt shows prioritize inclusivity, or do they have a right to control content based on audience sensitivities? Join the conversation in the comments or share your thoughts on social media using #QuiltingCensorship. Let’s keep the discussion open and ensure that crafting remains a space for expression, dialogue, and artistic growth.

 

The Rise of Community Art Spaces: Where Creativity and Connection Thrive

In recent years, community art spaces have experienced a significant resurgence, evolving into vibrant hubs where creativity, collaboration, and community engagement intersect. These spaces offer artists and enthusiasts alike a platform to explore various crafts, share knowledge, and foster a sense of belonging.

The Emergence of Craft Cafés

One notable example is the Big Gurl Shop in Charleston, South Carolina. Founded by artist Rosie Werden, this "craft café" provides a welcoming environment for adults to engage in artistic endeavors. Located on King Street, the space offers rotating craft activities, allowing participants to explore different mediums and techniques. Werden emphasizes the importance of community in the creative process, stating that the shop aims to be a place where individuals can connect and find their inner artist. 

Makerspaces as Modern "Third Places"

In urban centers like New York City, makerspaces are redefining the concept of "third places"—social environments separate from home and work. These spaces serve as communal workshops equipped with tools and materials for various crafts, from woodworking to digital fabrication. They provide a collaborative atmosphere where individuals can work on personal projects, attend classes, and share expertise. The rise of such makerspaces reflects a growing desire for hands-on experiences and community connection in an increasingly digital world.

Pittsburgh's Creative Playgrounds

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, boasts a thriving maker scene with spaces like Workshop PGH. Located in the Garfield neighborhood, this DIY school offers a range of classes designed to be informal and fun, catering to both beginners and seasoned crafters. The emphasis is on accessibility and fostering a supportive community where creativity can flourish. 

The Impact of Community Art Spaces

These community art spaces do more than provide access to tools and materials; they cultivate environments where creativity and community intertwine. By offering workshops, hosting events, and encouraging collaboration, they become integral parts of the local cultural fabric. Participants not only develop artistic skills but also build relationships and engage in cultural exchange, enriching the community as a whole.

Share Your Favorite Community Art Space

Do you have a favorite community art space that has inspired your creativity or fostered a sense of community? Share its name and location in the comments below, and let others know what makes it special. Your recommendations could help fellow readers discover new places to explore their artistic passions and connect with like-minded individuals.

 

Joann's to close over 500 Stores; We have the list 

In a significant move affecting the crafting community, Joann Fabrics has announced plans to close approximately 500 of its 800 stores across the United States. This decision comes on the heels of the company's second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing within a year, attributed to declining sales and inventory challenges. 

The closures will impact stores nationwide, with California, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington among the most affected states.  This reduction aims to realign Joann's operations for future sustainability. 

For a comprehensive list of the stores slated for closure, customers can refer to the official document provided by Joann Fabrics. 

While the company undergoes restructuring, remaining locations and the online store will continue operations. Customers are encouraged to check the status of their local stores and take advantage of clearance sales at locations preparing to close.

 

Week 1:  Joann's Files for Bankruptcy, Quilt Con 2025 Intel, Celebrate National Embroidery Month

 

 

Joann’s Fabric and Crafts announced its initiation of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in January, so what’s next?

Joann Fabric and Crafts is having a rough go of it—again. In January, the craft retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in under a year. Apparently, even mountains of yarn and bedazzling kits can’t stitch together a solid financial plan.

Despite a half-hearted attempt at restructuring and shaving off $505 million in debt last year, Joann just couldn’t keep the lights on. Now they’re closing several underperforming stores, including spots in Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania, where crafters will soon have to find new haunts.

Meanwhile, Joann hopes to either find a buyer or sell off everything they own. It’s a "make it or break it" scenario—literally. Stay tuned to see if Joann can craft a miracle.

But wait—liquidation sales are here! Discounts up to 90% off. So if you've been waiting to hoard glitter at rock-bottom prices, this is your moment. Below are some of the sweet deals we found at Joann.com.

• Quilting cotton clearance fabric starting at $1.79 per yard – Your next sewing project just got budget-friendly.
• Big Twist yarn starting at $0.97 – Perfect for knitting, crocheting, or just hoarding.
• Valentine’s Day crafts for kids starting at $0.75 – Fun, festive, and wallet-friendly.
• Storage discounted 50% or more like a 6"x 15" Deep Craft Case with Carrying Handle – so you can finally organize your craft room.

Browse these and more deals in Joann's clearance section or head to a store near you for epic liquidation markdowns!

 

 

QuiltCon 2025: Where Quilts and Creatives Collide!

Attention fabric fanatics and stitching superstars: QuiltCon 2025 is upon us, running from February 20-23 in Phoenix, Arizona! It's the place where you’ll find a kaleidoscope of creativity stitched together with precision, passion, and—let’s face it—a sprinkle of obsession. Whether you’re here for inspiration, admiration, or sheer awe at the quilting gods among us, QuiltCon has it all.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Mind-Blowing Quilts: We’re talking intricate works of art that make your patchwork throw look like a middle school home-ec project. This year's showstoppers include modern designs with bold colors, wild geometric patterns, and social statements sewn right into the seams.
• Workshops & Lectures: Want to learn how to quilt perfect points? Or perhaps how to not cry into your fabric after you botch a binding? Industry pros will be on hand to guide you through it all. Prepare to level up your skills—or at least walk away with a few fancy new quilting terms to throw around.
• Vendors Galore: You’ll find rows of booths filled with dreamy fabric, quilting gadgets you didn’t know you needed, and the holy grail—fat quarters. Prepare to blow your budget faster than a seam ripper tears through a bad topstitch.

Now, here’s the fun part. We want YOU to share the best quilts you spot at QuiltCon! Send us your favorite photos, making sure to credit the creator, to jennifer@snarkywonderful.com. We'll feature some of these masterpieces in an upcoming newsletter. Yes, this is your chance to become a QuiltCon scout and possibly secure eternal bragging rights.

So, go forth, quilt lovers! Wander the aisles, take it all in, and remember: when in doubt, compliment the binding. After all, it’s a delicate art—and so is holding back the urge to touch every quilt. See you there! 🧵

 

February is National Embroidery Month: Time to Poke Holes in Fabric (on Purpose)

That's right, folks. While some celebrate Valentine’s Day with chocolates and roses, true craft royalty spends February honoring National Embroidery Month. Nothing says "I have my life together" like meticulously stabbing a needle through fabric thousands of times to create something no one will dare spill coffee on.

Embroidery isn’t just your grandma’s pastime anymore—though shoutout to the OGs who paved the way with flawless monograms and sampler alphabets. Today’s stitchers are creating everything from delicate floral designs to bold phrases artfully stitched on tea towels. It’s wholesome rebellion at its finest.

So, what better way to honor this sacred craft than by giving you a FREE beginner-friendly embroidery pattern? Whether you’re a hoop newbie or a floss-wielding pro, this one’s for you: Head over to The Yellow Birdhouse and Grab the beginner friendly embroidery pattern for ‘all you need is love and tacos’

Want to show off your masterpiece? Email it to jennifer@snarkywonderful.com, and we might feature it in an upcoming newsletter. Let’s see what you thread geniuses have been working on! 🧵✨

And if you’re looking for your favorite new embroidery-themed sweatshirt, we’re partial to ‘Feelin’ Stabby’; it’s soft, sassy, and pairs perfectly with hours of focused stabbing—erm, stitching.