Where Has All the Cross Stitch Gone?

On a whim Dave & I went to the county fair yesterday. It was so much smaller than the state fair in the fall. It only took us an hour and we were like, ok, we're done now. Let's go get lunch. One thing I noticed was that I could count the number of cross stitch pieces on less than my 10 fingers. I've noticed a decline at the state fair as well, but this was truely pathetic. There was one piece that hadn't been framed stuck in a display case with some crocheted pieces and there were about 8 hung on a wall. That was it. The ones on the wall were mostly smaller than 6 x 6". There were 2 larger pieces and one was really a needlepoint one that had been mislabeled. I actually would have stitched that one myself and might see if I can find the kit. I would have stitched the other large piece as well. It was a very colorful tiger stalking in some greenery. Very bright colors, right up my alley. I remember when we first moved here in the early 90's, the fair had to devote 2 walls just to the cross stitch entries. There would be several Mirabilias, Lavender & Lace, Stoney Creeks. They would be professionally framed and I would love to spend quite a bit of time looking at them. Now I realize how expensive framing is. Most of my stuff goes in my fuppy box but if I were going to exhibit them, I would go ahead and spring for the tab. Is the economy affecting our hobby that much? I would have to say in my humble opinion that I believe it is. When people are worrying about their next mortgage payment or how they're going to feed their kids, then something has to give. I've been blessed to have a hubby with a good job and I also have a good job (with a discount on stash no less!), but I do find myself working from my stash instead of buying new stuff. So do you plan on having S.E.X. when the recession ends?