It is strange how trends and hobbies change.
When I first came to the States in 1964, I was a students wife and wasn't allowed to work. So I wanted to do some crafts. I must say I was very disappointed in what I found in LA and the area. There was a bit of yarn in the department stores, and needlepoint, where the main pattern was already made and you had to make the background. There were also a few embroidery kits. So I bought McCall's Needlework and Crafts magazine (I still have two or three copies) and that was it. I later found one yarn store which I frequented often. So what I did most in those days was knit and sew.
25 years later I returned to the US for a visit. I was so surprised to see all the craft stores, like Michael's and JoAnnes etc. All I could say was
"Where were they when I needed them."
I guess that in the sixties there was less leisure time then in the nineties.
But I can see the change in Israel too. We had wonderful craft stores, yarn stores, embroidery equipment. All those stores have closed. The main interest now is wood painting and you can get that, wood and paints.
I have worked in a hobby store for 15 months, and everything depended on the trend (or fashion) first it was macrame, then the trend went over to fimo, bit of beading, knitting and embroidery was always fashionable. Now you can hardly find a person who'll knit or crochet.
So the same happens with lacemaking, it comes and goes. In several years we might find a revival again. I guess that some of it also depends on the economical situation. If people are made redundant they have to cut on their hobbies and use their income in other ways.
Just thoughts on the subject.
Miriam in Arad , Israel
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