Modern Crafts Books & Articles

[Shipbuilder]

I feel that this subject has degenerated over the decades. Not all that long ago, my wife sent an article in to a craft magazine on how to make a certain type of picture frame. It was rejected on the grounds that "it is rather too complicated for our readers!" Too complicated - it only involved a board, with metal pins in it & winding cotton around it in a certain fashion, the design was based on an 1890s book for schooolchildren!
Bob

[ethel&edna]

I agree that things have changed for the worse in many respects.

In modern society people need to have far fewer skills. Why learn to make clothes when you can buy them so cheaply?

Added to this is the constant rushing around. Many would argue that they just don't have time to take up a creative hobby. I find it really sad that many children would rather sit at a computer than learn to sew or do woodwork for example (haha and what are we all doing now?!!!!).

(welcome) Welcome by the way. Good to have to aboard!

[Sprinkles]

It makes me wonder who they are trying to aim their craft magazines at...

if you are a crafter then surely you have the time and patience to do something simple and creative as making a photo frame as you described!

Why would you be buying the magazine in the first place? :confused:

i must be going potty...

[Shipbuilder]

Harking back to the 1950s when I was at school, I seem to remember almost everyone was making or building things. The boys would be making aeroplanes, steam engines, radio sets, model ships & boats & a host of other things whilst the girls would be busy with needlework, knitting, sewing, cooking etc & even some of the things that the boys did.
On another craft forum (concerned with building model ships) that I am a member of, they have a poll section on what age are you? So far, no-one under the age of twenty has come along to say they are making anything at all. What a lot they miss out on!
Bob

[ethel&edna]

I am currently working at an art college, teaching post-A level students. Whilst they have chosen their favourite area to specialise in(fashion and textiles in the case of my group), none of them seem to have any passion for the subject. They are too absorbed in their social lives and college is just a chore. There are one or two exceptions but I couldn't imagine one of them coming onto a forum like this. Facebook and MySpace may be cool but a craft forum?...

[wyattbean]

I collect old needlework books about 1890 - 1910 or so, they are for children, yet any adult would struggle!! I'm nearly 50 but even I had very little teaching in crafts and I think it is such a shame that a whole generation seams unable to use their hands anymore. As for books and magazines....lots of lovely pictures but very little comprehensive instruction I find.......I think I'm turning into a grumpy old woman LOL!

Sue