I Used to Think That Quilting Was All About Perfection...
#12
I also used to think in these terms. But if you look closely at "prize winning" quilts, you will see stitches that are not even, seams that don't match by just a fraction of an inch, and many other "imperfections." I prefer to think of them as characteristics of the quilt. And truthvully, ALL of my quilts have a lot of character.
Happy quilting,
Susan
Happy quilting,
Susan
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tampa Bay Area, Florida
Posts: 2,229
I wonder how many "imperfections Michaelangelo pointed out to his colleagues when they came to see how his "David" or the Mona Lisa was coming along...:not that I think my quilts are even in the same universe as his works of art, but it's a comfort thinking about him pointing out all of his errors to someone. I do the best I can, correct what I know I need to, try to improve and continue learning-and #1 Enjoy the journey!
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,299
I take comfort in knowing that I'm better than I used to be but not as good as I will become at this. But every quilt I've made has been made with love and care. If I were to receive a quilt, I would feel loved and very honored because I know how much work and thought goes into them.
#15
I have been making quilts for the community and never really "gave" a quilt to someone. Recently I gave my dr a quilt and he had tears in his eyes he was so thankful and now I gave a quilt to a friend. She also was thankful. No one noticed or sad anything about them not being perfect. I did the best I could and I am now enjoying the process more than ever. It is fun to create and then share the gift of a quilt
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: AR
Posts: 3,604
This post has really helped me. I always dread the quilting part of the quilt because I use my Singer machine I bought in 1979 for $79.00. It doesn't have any fancy stitching, just a straight line or zigzag. I have made 3 quilts for family and friends using it but I'm always nervous to get it started. I think we are our worst critic sometimes. I'm going to try to just enjoy what I do and not be so hard on myself.
I always enjoy reading everyone's post and looking at your beautiful quilts. When I finish something I will post a picture. Don't hold your breath though, I'm kind of slow. haha
I always enjoy reading everyone's post and looking at your beautiful quilts. When I finish something I will post a picture. Don't hold your breath though, I'm kind of slow. haha
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 2,523
I so needed this today! I am making a funky, just for me, chicken quilt with all sorts of different sized blocks and techniques...BUT...I find myself saying "enough...stop obsessing....it's fine.." We are our own worst critics! I can tolerate every block I've made so far!!
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,401
After reading "That Dorky Homemade Look" I started feeling a lot better about my work too. And letting it go once I give the quilt to someone. My first "I Spy" quilt was the hexagon and triangle style and I did the SITD style quilting. Between dithering over matching the points and quilting, it didn't help that I was giving to a member of the church and the church has a large group of quilters. The mother of the child was not a quilter, but very active in the church so I was very worried some of the master quilters would see the quilt. So much so, I almost didn't give it to her. Then I went to a walking quilt show in Redlands CA and there was a quilt like the one I made. And that person had the same issues I had struggled with and that person had it on display. Suddenly I was much happier with how mine turned out.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Jozefow, Poland
Posts: 4,474
Really, it's mostly just us quilters who even notice all those points missing, not quite matched seams, etc. Most people "out there" notice the colors, the patterns, fabric themes, etc. Colors, mostly.
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