Monday, June 21, 2010

A Fair Question??

I know, 2 posts in one day ~
lucky you! LOL

I just received my August 2010 issue of Early American Life magazine.
it has the Directory of Traditional Crafts in it & it is just beautiful...
but I can't help but wonder why they still don't include cross stitch samplers in it anymore...
so I sent the editors this letter:

Remind me again why your magazine chooses not to consider reproduction Cross Stitch Samplers in your Directory of Traditional Crafts? ~ I am a long-time reader, and enjoy every issue...especially the Directories...in fact, it was one Cross Stitch Sampler alone, that was shown in your Directory, that started me on my sampler-making journey...I am now a designer of reproduction 18th and 19th century schoolgirl styled cross stitch samplers and needlework samplers.Your current issue (Aug. 2010) has many talented folks in the Directory, and you include many makers of hooked rugs in the Textiles/Rugs/Needlework catagory, but not Cross Stitch Samplers...you state on page 51 that: "For twenty five years EAL has celebrated the handcraftmanship of traditional artisans working in period media and styles"...and..."Whether creating skilled reproductions of exsisting antique masterpieces or artistic interpretations of authenticated early forms, all Directory artisans bring tradional materials, methods and sensibilities to their work."Why then, not Cross Stitch Samplers, when you also include in said same category, makers of miniature punch needle embroidery?I would love to be clued-in...even better, I would love the chance to submit some of my works to be included in your Directory...after all, women and girls learned to write, spell and create beautiful works of art by working on their cross stitch samplers...Please reconsider adding reproduction/original Cross Stitch Samplers back into your categories?
Do any of you out there feel this same way?
let me know your thoughts please...
or, send them a letter too!
www.ealonline.com
..maybe together we can be the change we want to see happen!
Blessings from the Farm,
Lori

11 comments:

Sweet Sue said...

I let my EAL subscription go last year, no particular reason, but yes-would have loved to see samplers of any kind there. And, your start is stunning, love your colors, me want to see more-lol! You've such a great eye my friend!

Linda said...

Lori.....what a thoughtful and thorough letter you composed. You covered the subject matter well!
I sure hope you get a response.
I agree.....cross stitch samplers are a very important handwork that should be shown in EAL.
Linda

Beth Twist said...

Funny... I got my copy today too, and had the same question running through my head after looking through. Glad you wrote a letter, and I think I'll do the same.

Jeanne said...

Great question...!! Hopefully they will give you a response. I've been a little disappointed in EAL lately...the magazine has changed over the years.

from me to thee......... said...

well Lori, I am glad you wrote, that is a very good point...I have always loved samplers and would think in a magazine like EAL it would include samplers....please let us know what their response is....Linda E.

QUAINT AND PLAIN said...

I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY CROSS STITCH ISNT INCLUDED EITHER.. IT MAKES NO SENSE.. YOUR LETTER OUTLINED THE SUBJECT PERFECTLY,,, I WILL DROP THEM A NOTE TOO....THE MORE THE MERRIER, AND "THE NOISY WHEEL GETS THE GREASE" AS MY DEAR GRANMA ALWAYS SAID..~~

Lauralee @ The Eclectic Stitcher said...

Amen & Amen ~ well said, Lori!

The Eveningstitcher said...

I never even thought of samplers being in their issue..probably because they've never presented! It seems like all they are interested in showing are the same doll makers, the same furniture makers, the same rug hookers and the same artists..issue after issue. This will be my last subcription to the magazine, unless things change. I think your letter says it all...very well put, Lori! Maybe in the winter or Christmas issue of artisians they will feature the talented works of antique reproduction samplers...I think the deadline is in August for submitting.

Plumruncreek ♥ said...

Lori~ Maybe after they read your letter, they might ask you to write for the magazine. Wow!! great letter!!

Witch of Stitches said...

What a great letter and I look forward to hearing what they have to say. I also let my subscription expire. I was delighted that they included an article about the Plimouth jacket in the April issue which I picked up at the bookstore. I look forward to hearing if your letter opens their eyes to how important the history of samplers are for women and that their reproduction as well as the design of new traditional looking samplers are a craft worthy of inclusion.

LP Vintage said...

You wrote a great letter! I hope the magazine will realize their omission and will change their policy.

On another note, I LOVE those little scissors in the photograph! Are they available to buy somewhere? thank you, Lorraine