Nifty Novelties

摘要

Consumers see them all the time next to the bolts of ditzy prints, calicos, florals and other standard quilting cotton fare - conversational prints. The prints reflect vintage art or popular culture and range from Nickelodeon~(~R) characters to purses and puppies, doughnuts to dolls. Conversational prints are engaging and fun, and there are many uses for them in craft quilts and apparel. Retailers who promote the multiple uses of these novelty prints can not only increase sales but develop new customers. According to Luann Balderree of Springs Creative Products Group, "A conversational print is one using motifs that are recognizable elements other than florals. These could be animals, everyday objects, elements of nature, etc." No one knows for sure why they are called conversational prints but Christine Osmers of Michael Miller fabrics speculates, "I think they call them conversational because they give you something to talk about." Most conversational prints are done on 44/45" cotton fabrics. Fabric finishes vary by company; some are offering prints on flannel as well as cottons.