I sure hope they are not dying arts! I am a grandma and I sew, quilt, and machine embroider. I am a newbie at quilting, and I love to hand sew on the binding. I am fortunate to have a fantastic embroidery machine which I use all the time. Recently I purchased a used sit-down mid arm quilting machine. Unfortunately I have a pain disability, chronic neck pain, and some days I cannot sit in front of the machines. I get withdrawal pangs after one day! Then I try to do hand work. I do knitting on a plastic loom for charity, and now I am trying English paper piecing. I can do these sitting down and resting my neck. I have been trying to crochet and I am improving. My daughter, a young mom, has also tried sewing and crochet. Two of my granddaughters are highly interested in crafting, and one had sewing in home ec. She sews a bit now, and the younger one is definitely interested! When she comes over, my sewing room is her store, and I am the customer. She LOVES doing that. She fondles the fabrics and arranges them just so.
I am gratified that certain charities need these handcrafted items to warm, dress, or comfort others, so I can do things to help, even tho I am disabled. It makes me feel that my life is worthwhile. I have told several young women I know, who have mentioned that they want to learn to sew, that they have a standing invitation to come over and learn from me. I have a machine from a yard sale that anyone can plunk away on and not worry about breaking, until they learn a bit. In my world, these are not dying arts. I told someone recently that I have to sew or die! I have been sewing nearly 50 years as my mom, who was a wonderfully skilled sewist, taught me the basics when I was a little girl. It is very hard for me to have all these projects going, and then be in too much pain to go into my little sewing studio and work on them. I have to grab a handcraft and get busy or I will cry. I have made many items of clothing for myself and my kids over the years, and now I embroider on clothing, towels, aprons, pillows, pillowcases, etc, for gifts and for family. Everyone seems to be pleased with what I make, as I try to cater it to each persons personality. Oh, and I also make greeting cards for family, and they seem to like them.
Obviously I have more time on my hands then most women; I think that with working, lots of women are busier than ever before. I think the secret is, like you all have mentioned, to sneak in a bit of time in a waiting room, or in front of the TV. I don't think these crafts will die out, due to necessity, and the great feeling of satisfaction one gets from handcrafting something!! I hope you can all squeeze in a bit of time for these great crafts!
I have considered having an Etsy store, but I don't know if that would be a good idea for me, since I may not be able to keep up.
