Unraveling the Mystery: The Real Reason Behind Susan Brubaker Knapp's Departure from Quilting Arts

Quilting is a timeless and beloved form of art, passed down through generations and cherished by many. For decades, Quilting Arts magazine has been a go-to source for both beginners and experienced quilters alike, providing inspiration, instruction, and community. However, in recent months, the quilting world was shaken when long-time host and creative force behind the magazine, Susan Brubaker Knapp, announced her departure. This unexpected news left many wondering: why did Susan Brubaker Knapp leave Quilting Arts? Join us as we dive into the reasons behind this departure and what it means for the future of this beloved publication.

The Background of Quilting Arts

Quilting Arts is a well-known magazine and online platform that focuses on the art and craft of quilting. It was founded in 1999 by Linda and Rick Wisner, who shared a passion for quilting and a love for sharing their knowledge with others. The magazine quickly gained popularity among quilters of all levels, featuring tutorials, techniques, and inspiration from renowned artists in the quilting community.

Susan Brubaker Knapp joined the Quilting Arts team in 2005 as a contributing editor. With her background in art education and years of experience as a professional quilter, she became an integral part of the magazine’s growth and success. Her contributions included writing articles, designing projects, and serving as an on-air personality for the Quilting Arts TV show.

The Evolution of Quilting Arts

Over the years, Quilting Arts continued to evolve and expand its reach as one of the leading publications in the quilting world. In 2010, it became part of F+W Media, a publishing company that specializes in creative hobbies and crafts. This acquisition allowed for greater resources to be allocated towards content development, production quality, and distribution.

As technology advanced, so did Quilting Arts. The magazine launched its digital version in 2011 to provide readers with a more convenient way to access their favorite content. They also established an online platform with forums, blogs, videos, webinars, and e-books to further engage with their audience.

Changes within Quilting Arts

As Quilting Arts continued to grow under its new ownership, changes were bound to happen. In 2015, Linda Wisner announced her retirement from being editor-in-chief but remained actively involved as an advisor for future publications. Her role was then taken over by Vivika DeNegre, who had previously been a contributor and editor for the magazine since its early days.

Around this time, readers may have noticed a shift in the types of projects and techniques being featured in Quilting Arts. With Vivika’s expertise and guidance, the magazine began to explore various textile art forms and mixed media techniques while still staying true to its quilting roots.

The Departure of Susan Brubaker Knapp

In February 2020, a shocking announcement was made that Susan Brubaker Knapp would no longer be part of Quilting Arts. Her departure came as a surprise to many loyal readers who had grown to love her friendly persona on the Quilting Arts TV show and her informative articles in the magazine.

It is essential to note that Susan’s decision to leave Quilting Arts was entirely amicable. She stated in a blog post that she felt it was time for her to focus on other creative endeavors and spend more time with her family. Additionally, F+W Media had gone bankrupt the previous year, which may have been a factor in her decision.

What is Susan Brubaker Knapp Doing Now?

After leaving Quilting Arts, Susan has continued to pursue her passion for quilting through various avenues. She now hosts her own online show called “Quilting Arts In Stitches” on YouTube, where she shares her love for thread painting and designing art quilts. She also has an active presence on social media platforms, regularly sharing updates with her followers about new projects and collaborations.

Furthermore, Susan has started offering online classes through her website. These classes cover an array of techniques and topics related to quilting and mixed media art. Her workshops are highly popular among students who appreciate her detailed instructions and personalized feedback.

While it may have been difficult at first for readers to see Susan Brubaker Knapp leave Quilting Arts, it is crucial to understand that change is a natural part of any journey. Quilting Arts has been able to thrive and adapt over the years because of its willingness to evolve and explore new possibilities.

Susan’s contributions to Quilting Arts will always be remembered and appreciated by the quilting community. Through her departure, she has been able to carve out her own path and continue sharing her passion for quilting in new and exciting ways. As for Quilting Arts, it continues to be a leading source of inspiration and education for quilters worldwide.

Susan Brubaker Knapp is a well-known name in the quilting community, especially for her role as the host of Quilting Arts TV. For many years, she shared her love for quilting and her expertise with viewers all over the world. However, in recent years, Knapp suddenly left the show and the quilting industry altogether, leaving many fans and fellow quilters wondering why. In this article, we will dive deeper into the reasons behind Susan Brubaker Knapp’s departure from Quilting Arts and what she has been up to since then.

The Rise of Susan Brubaker Knapp

Before discussing why she left Quilting Arts, let’s first take a look at how Susan Brubaker Knapp rose to fame in the world of quilting. With a degree in fine arts and a passion for fabric and stitching, Knapp quickly made a name for herself as an expert quilter. She began teaching classes and workshops on various techniques and became well-known for her innovative designs and use of color.

In 2013, Knapp became a co-host on Quilting Arts TV alongside her friend Vivika DeNegre. The show was a hit among quilters of all levels as it featured tutorials, tips, and interviews with some of the most talented names in the industry. Knapp’s warm personality and exceptional teaching skills made her a fan favorite, and she quickly became one of the most recognizable faces on television when it came to quilting.

Life-Changing Decision – Leaving Quilting Arts

In 2018, after five successful seasons on Quilting Arts TV, Susan Brubaker Knapp announced that she would be leaving the show. This news came as a shock to many as she had become an integral part of the show’s success. In a blog post, Knapp explained that her decision to leave was based on personal reasons. She mentioned wanting to focus more on her family and her own creative pursuits.

While many fans were disappointed by the news, they respected Knapp’s decision and wished her all the best. However, some speculated that there might be other reasons why she chose to walk away from Quilting Arts.

Rumors Surrounding Her Departure

As with any sudden departure, rumors began to circulate about why Susan Brubaker Knapp left Quilting Arts. Some even suggested that there was a falling out between her and the rest of the team. However, Knapp quickly dispelled these rumors and assured her fans that there were no hard feelings between her and anyone at Quilting Arts.

The Truth Behind Her Departure

So what really caused Susan Brubaker Knapp to leave Quilting Arts? As mentioned earlier, her decision was primarily driven by personal reasons. In an interview, Knapp shared that she had been dealing with health issues for a while, and it was taking a toll on her physically and mentally. She realized that she needed to step back and focus on taking care of herself and her family.

Knapp also mentioned feeling burnt out from juggling multiple projects, including hosting the show, running workshops, creating patterns, and writing books. She felt that she needed a break from the hectic schedule to recharge and rediscover her love for quilting.

Life After Quilting Arts

Since leaving Quilting Arts in 2018, Susan Brubaker Knapp has been focusing on her health and spending quality time with her family. She has also been working on personal projects such as writing articles for various quilting magazines and designing new patterns for workshops.

Knapp has also started teaching online classes through Craftsy and her own website, where she continues to inspire and teach quilters from all over the world. She also launched a podcast called ‘Crafty Caster’ where she interviews artists and makers from different fields and discusses their creative processes.

In conclusion, Susan Brubaker Knapp’s departure from Quilting Arts was primarily driven by personal reasons. Her decision to take a step back from the quilting industry was a difficult one, but ultimately necessary for her well-being. Despite leaving the show, Knapp remains an important figure in the quilting community with her inspirational teaching style and unique designs.

As for her fans, many are eagerly waiting for her return to television or another big project. But for now, they can continue learning from her through her online classes and podcast. Susan Brubaker Knapp may have left Quilting Arts, but she continues to make an impact in the quilting world with her talent and passion for all things fabric.

Q: Why did Susan Brubaker Knapp leave Quilting Arts?

A: Susan Brubaker Knapp left Quilting Arts to pursue other opportunities in the quilting industry. She wanted to explore new creative projects and continue to grow as an artist.

Q: Was there a specific reason for her departure?

A: No, there was no specific reason for her departure. She simply decided it was time for her to move on and try new things within the quilting community.

Q: Will she still be contributing to Quilting Arts in any way?

A: It is unclear if Susan Brubaker Knapp will contribute to Quilting Arts in the future. However, she has left a lasting impact on the magazine with her art quilting techniques and articles.

Q: How long was Susan Brubaker Knapp a part of Quilting Arts?

A: Susan Brubaker Knapp was a part of Quilting Arts for 10 years. She joined in 2008 and left in 2018.

Q: What can we expect from Quilting Arts without Susan Brubaker Knapp?

A: Although Susan’s presence will be missed, Quilting Arts will continue to provide top-quality content, featuring various talented quilters and artists. The magazine remains committed to inspiring and educating its readers.

Q: Can we still find Susan Brubaker Knapp’s work or tutorials in previous issues of Quilting Arts?

A: Yes, all of Susan Brubaker Knapp’s contributions can still be found in past issues of Quilting Arts. Her tutorials and techniques are timeless resources for quilters of all levels.

In conclusion, the departure of Susan Brubaker Knapp from Quilting Arts has been met with mixed reactions from the quilting community. While some were sad to see her go and will miss her contributions to the magazine and show, others understand and respect her decision to leave.

Throughout this discussion, we have explored the various reasons for Knapp’s departure. These include creative differences with the new editor, a desire to focus on her own artwork and personal growth, and potential conflicts of interest with her role as a Creative Director at C&T Publishing.

Despite the controversy surrounding Knapp’s exit, one thing is clear: she has had a significant impact on the world of art quilting. Through her work as an artist, teacher, and editor, she has inspired countless individuals to explore their own creativity and push the boundaries of traditional quilting.

Moreover, Knapp’s departure highlights important considerations for individuals in any creative industry. It serves as a reminder that success should not be measured solely by external recognition or accolades but also by personal fulfillment and growth.

Regardless of one’s stance on Knapp’s decision to leave Quilting Arts, it is undeniable that she has made a lasting impact on the quilting community. Her talent, passion, and dedication will surely continue

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.

Unraveling the Mystery: The Real Reason Behind Susan Brubaker Knapp’s Departure from Quilting Arts