Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • I Am An Addict >
  • I Am An Addict

  • I Am An Addict

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 06-28-2012, 05:18 AM
      #1  
    Junior Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: Johnson City, TN
    Posts: 115
    Default I Am An Addict

    I am in love with the idea of quilting. I love collecting fabrics, notions, tools, etc. I look at my beautiful fabric all nicely folded on comic book boards and find that I don't want to cut them. I have a dedicated craft room with three machines. I have even bought a quilting machine and a frame. I even have an Accuquilt Go. I probably have 50+ quilting magazines. I buy all the quilting classes on Craftsy and watch them all the way through. I find I understand the techniques and "think" I could compete the quilts they show but I have yet to do that. I have only completed one lap quilt and have another top on my design wall. What is wrong with me? I have the desire and all the tools but I can't make myself complete quilts. I believe it is the perfectionist in me. I'm afraid my quilts won't be "perfect". I think I need an intervention.

    Linda
    lsb142 is offline  
    Old 06-28-2012, 05:26 AM
      #2  
    Senior Member
     
    qwkslver's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Sep 2010
    Location: WV
    Posts: 582
    Default

    I know mine aren't perfect. I look within myself and find the joy that working on quilts gives me. That is why I quilt. Then I realize perfection isn't necessary. To look at something I have finished, even with the booboos, is wonderful. I find that my children, grandchildren, and other family members do not see my booboos. They only see the colorful, soft (to them) wonderful quilt I have created for them. By all means, Linda, start sewing. Have a great time and show us what you did. I applaud them all.
    qwkslver is offline  
    Old 06-28-2012, 05:27 AM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jan 2010
    Location: West Coast
    Posts: 9,267
    Default

    You need a little push into the water. Can you take a class at a local quilt shop, or maybe invite someone over to sew with you just to get the juices flowing?
    DebraK is offline  
    Old 06-28-2012, 05:30 AM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2011
    Location: dallas tx.
    Posts: 5,172
    Default

    Don't you know there is nothing "perfect" in this world? Go for it. People used to put a boo-boo in their quilts . I don't know why, but they did.
    barny is offline  
    Old 06-28-2012, 05:34 AM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jan 2011
    Location: Small town in Northeast Oregon close to Washington and Idaho
    Posts: 2,795
    Default

    I feel the same way. I have everything ready to go, but need a nudge to get going again. I cut out everything for a French Braid and then closed my studio door. I've been in there since, but just to admire my fabric and new items. I can't get going again. I have about 10 new quilting magazines and a few new books and haven't even opened them yet. So, you aren't the only one. It will come to me soon. I kind of think it's the nice weather. I don't want to hole myself up in my studio, I think. At least, that's what I'm blaming it on.
    jcrow is offline  
    Old 06-28-2012, 05:38 AM
      #6  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Feb 2011
    Location: Rhode Island
    Posts: 1,663
    Default

    I have the same perfectionist tendencies... I think a lot of us do. Here's something that always gets me going - pick a very easy pattern, and make a charity quilt from your stash. You'll get some wonderful "warm fuzzies" thinking about donating the quilt, and it will give you a jump-start. Give it a try!
    DonnaC is offline  
    Old 06-28-2012, 05:40 AM
      #7  
    Super Member
     
    LynnVT's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jan 2012
    Location: Vermont, USA
    Posts: 1,346
    Default

    Life is too short to waste any of expecting perfection. For me, the process is the fun, and giving things away to someone who loves what I make. I have a little quilt hanger on a kitchen wall and make wall hangings to change by the season or occasion. If points aren't perfect, oh well. My midsection is a bit lumpy, too, and age spots decorate my once nice complexion. Those who love me don't care and anyone who finds fault isn't worth bothering with. Live joy.
    LynnVT is offline  
    Old 06-28-2012, 06:03 AM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    JenniePenny's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Mar 2010
    Location: New Hampshire
    Posts: 4,555
    Default

    Think of it this way: all those beautiful fabrics on the shelf wrapped around the comic boards will look so much prettier in quilts or tablerunners. We all like to acquire quilt making supplies, but we need to enjoy creating with them and using those fabrics and objects.
    JenniePenny is online now  
    Old 06-28-2012, 06:21 AM
      #9  
    Super Member
     
    grammy Dwynn's Avatar
     
    Join Date: May 2007
    Location: Oregon
    Posts: 2,042
    Default

    We crawled before we walked. We had training wheels on our bicycle. Our mother stood over us when we were learning to bake/cook.

    We all have made mistakes and had to un-sew, with quilting, like most things we learn by our mistake (and we pray that we don't have to many). Go for it you will do just fine.
    grammy Dwynn is offline  
    Old 06-28-2012, 06:24 AM
      #10  
    Super Member
     
    sahm4605's Avatar
     
    Join Date: May 2010
    Location: Blue Springs, MO
    Posts: 2,167
    Default

    If I lived near you I would bring my kids over and give you a good kick in the tush to get cutting and sewing. I have a bit of ocd when it comes to many many things that I try to control and find that quilting is one of them. I have to force myself to remember that its okay to not be perfect yet i am still learning and will get better with time. I have three quilts that I need to start but just don't want to cut into the fabric because I love these fabrics and don't want to make a mistake. Sometimes we just have to jump in with both feet and eyes closed.
    sahm4605 is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    craftybear
    General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
    59
    12-31-2021 10:53 AM
    earlylace
    Main
    72
    03-28-2010 06:57 AM
    Bailey's mom
    Main
    44
    02-05-2010 05:10 PM
    sewmom
    Pictures
    14
    01-29-2010 04:45 PM
    MsSage
    Main
    30
    10-20-2008 12:13 PM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter