The quilting world was recently stunned by the closure of Quiltmania, Inc., publisher of Quiltmania, the wildly popular quilting magazine. The editor, Carol Veillon, wrote more of a lament than an apology on their Instagram post (pictured above), simply thanking those who had a part in the success of the magazine and not addressing the thousands of loyal readers who were left with unfulfilled subscriptions. Along with the announcement came the website shutdown and no direction for customer service. Many of the comments on the post are painful to read. One woman had received a subscription as a gift from her teenager, and she was heartbroken. Several others received theirs as gifts, and many had just recently subscribed and had not even received their first issue. What is even more upsetting is the non-response of Carol or anyone from the magazine in addressing these subscriber concerns. In the well-spoken words of Shania Twain, "That don't impress me much".
I purchased one issue of Quiltmania years ago (not the one pictured), and I thought it was pricey even then. After reading through it, my overwhelming feeling was that I wasted my $13.99. It just isn't my kind of magazine, but apparently I am in the minority. I have no idea what the individual cost is now, but I did see one mention of $160 for a subscription. While reading through the comments on the Instagram post, I was struck by the one common thread. All of them, whether unhappy about their subscriptions or simply eulogizing, were remorseful about the magazine closure, and I am sad for all of them and the loss of their "happy mail".
Here is the link to the PDF of the final issue: QM Issue 160 and the mystery patterns may be found at this link: Free Quiltmania.
In other news: Hopefully before the weekend, I will have another post up, with a big family announcement and a finish or two. Here is a sneak peek!
I occasionally purchased a Quiltmania magazine when it contained a quilt I really thought I would make, such as Hearts & Wreaths. Not all quilters like the same type of quilts and that is fine. But it is completely WRONG to take money from people and not make some kind of reimbursement. If they knew they were having financial problems, they should have stopped taking new subscriptions a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing your newest finish, happy stitching!
I haven't heard of the Quiltmania magazine but was really interested in reading about it. Wow how deeply disappointing for the readers that no redress could be had. Yes Imagine getting it as a gift and then not getting it. I guess they must have gone into bankruptcy or something. Magazines are struggling these days I think. Looking forward to 'other news' post.
ReplyDeleteWow, that doesn’t speak well at all. I never cared for the magazine as it was pretty pricey. Oh I can’t wait to see what you’re working!
ReplyDeleteSad to see these things end and so hate the thought folks are out of pocket too. Very strange situation. Newspapers are struggling these days and magazines too. We are steadily shifting all things online it seems.
ReplyDeletefrom comments on Instagram it does sound like they were taking subscriptions up to the point they announced the closure - that really gets me and do not understand how so many were issuing good luck messages
ReplyDeleteWhat a HUGE disappointment to readers and subscribers. To not make good on returning all of the money they received for subscriptions is beyond contempt. Thanks for the link to the free download. I did take a look at it (because I love looking at quilts, just fear making them), and it looked nice. I will say that in these very difficult economic times, I have cut back on all magazine subscriptions and purchases.
ReplyDeleteThat is a shame that they took people's money for subscriptions and then couldn't fulfill them. It was definitely a pricey magazine - not something I wanted to spend my money on. Looking forward to seeing what you've been up to!
ReplyDeleteI had a subscription for Quiltmania years ago. Like you, it wasn't for me. Still, what a horrible thing to happen to those who enjoyed it. I like your sneak peek and look forward to the announcement.
ReplyDeleteI loved Quiltmania and have quite a few of their books - Especially Di Ford. But in the last 4 or 5 years they have gone crazy - only showing a lot of Modern Quilts rather than traditional. I am sorry to see them go and was surprised about the bankruptcy of the Company. Yes they were pricey but it was the only magazine I have been subscribing to in the last 10 years. I am lucky! My subscription just ran out! It is a shame that the company will not communicate with their subscribers. Hugs
ReplyDeleteMy husband was in the subscription business (for an internet based company)and he was told and believed that if the business owed they owed the subscribers the balance of their fees. Quiltmania is a French publication so I am not sure if the rules are different. It is a real shame. I don't subscribe and have given up nearly all of my subscriptions...unless they come with a membership (AQS). Most are mediocre and there is more "news" on the internet than in the magazines.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I can't wait to hear the family news!
ReplyDeleteI hope they will read the comments and decide to email the subscribers with a solution / refund. I can't wait to see your projects.
ReplyDelete-Soma
I agree with you and Shania. It wasn't my kind of magazine, but I do feel very sorry for those who enjoyed it. Makes you wonder what really happened on the back end. I'm curious to hear your family news. I spy some Texas A&M fabric. Nice!
ReplyDeleteOhh, a disappearing 9 Patch? I love those!!
ReplyDeleteI love sneak peeks! I look forward to hearing about the family news. I agree with you about Quiltmania. I would pick up the magazine ever so often years ago, but it is so sad to hear about those who had subscriptions and were loyal fans. Our local newspaper did the same last year. One week we received the newspaper; the next - well it made an announcement on Facebook it was shut down and no one received refunds. So sad. Have a wonderful day, Linda. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked to hear about Quiltmania too. I wasn't a subscriber, but would occasionally pick up a copy. The print industry is really having a tough go of it right now.
ReplyDeleteI read about the Quiltmania closure. The best thing about Quiltmania was the photography, which was absolutely stunning. The way they’re leaving their subscribers hanging is not impressive, though. It really lowers my opinion of them. I will be checking back to see what your announcement is.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad - and so frustrating for people....
ReplyDeletebut I like your in other news... look forward to seeing what you have happening.....
I'm with you, Linda. I may have bought one but mostly when I looked through the magazine at the craft store, there wasn't anything I wanted to make from it. I do feel bad for the folks who had subscriptions. :( What a mess!
ReplyDeleteI have had a subscription to Quiltmania for over 4 years. While I didn't like every quilt pattern, I did like enough, and made a couple. It was pricy but the only magazine I had a subscruption. Other magazines are too simple and too many ads. I had just renewed, drat. I only got the one for this year. Thanks for the links to the 2nd and the mystery quilt for this year. While it would be nice to be refunded some of my subscription money, I doubt it will happen and I am not going to loose sleep over it. It is money that I already spent and is gone.
ReplyDeleteI know, a person might as well accept it and move on, right? I get what you say about ads, the other magazines are certainly full of them.
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