Anyone else ok with "good enough"
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 601
I spend a lot of time admiring everyone's beautiful work on this board. I am amazed at the stunning artistry of so many of this community's quilts. I have to admit, however, that I'm not sure I fit in.
When I am making a quilt, I often settle for "good enough." I quilt to relax, and because I love wrapping up in a cozy quilt. If I'm trying to make it perfect, it becomes stressful. I don't stress over mismatched seems, points that don't match, blocks that are a bit crooked or slightly different sizes, or any of the other issues that I know many of you go to great lengths to make perfect. The only thing that annoys me is bunched backing, but that's because I don't have any space to baste properly, so the lack of space annoys me more than anything.
So, what about it? Am I alone? Are there any others out there that notice errors and keep going anyway without ripping out seems? Do any of you make quilts that have quite a few obvious errors, and you chalk it up to "personalization" and "being unpredictable?"
When I am making a quilt, I often settle for "good enough." I quilt to relax, and because I love wrapping up in a cozy quilt. If I'm trying to make it perfect, it becomes stressful. I don't stress over mismatched seems, points that don't match, blocks that are a bit crooked or slightly different sizes, or any of the other issues that I know many of you go to great lengths to make perfect. The only thing that annoys me is bunched backing, but that's because I don't have any space to baste properly, so the lack of space annoys me more than anything.
So, what about it? Am I alone? Are there any others out there that notice errors and keep going anyway without ripping out seems? Do any of you make quilts that have quite a few obvious errors, and you chalk it up to "personalization" and "being unpredictable?"
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Iowa
Posts: 8,816
I used to stress a lot over the "perfect seam", "perfect point", etc. because the first people I sewed with had to be perfect. Never thought I would ever quilt again, but the yearning was always there. One day I started again and found joy in giving loving quilts to others and making for self. Good enough is GREAT.
#5
that's such an interesting question. When I first started quilting, I was okay with good enough. but as I continued, I gradually became more and more of a perfectionist. I agree with you, however, that Good Enough was much more relaxing and I was satisfied with the overall feeling of accomplishment that I attained from finishing the quilt. Now, I want it to be a certain way and that's where my feeling of accomplishment lies. It's still relaxing - except the actual (machine only and always) quilting. I'm always stressed during that.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 20,306
I have yet to make the "perfect" quilt- but you know what that is ok with me :lol: I make them to be used and loved - and most people I know would put a "perfect" quilt up and be afraid to use them ... so YES--- most of mine are "ok" not perfect and that is OK with me :wink:
Just relax and enjoy :thumbup:
Just relax and enjoy :thumbup:
#7
I use to want it to be perfect but then I learned to accept "good enough" and enjoy the quilt. My eyes give me a lot of problems. Ripping out a seam causes a lot of eye strain and my eyes actually hurt afterwards. I try to keep ripping out a seam to a very minimum and if I do, I then have to put the quilt away for the rest of the day. I found that my family enjoys the quilt even if I don't think it is perfect.
#9
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: North East Lower peninsula of Michigan
Posts: 6,231
I have learned that we are the only one that notices our unmatched seams no one else seems to. So Good enough is fine with me, When it get's stressful them it becomes work instead of pleasure.
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