Thread: When you do decide you are not a newbie?

I first started quilting in 1992 and then started making rag dolls and sold them in quilt shops along with the patterns. I did that for years. Then I started doing other hobbies. About 3 years ago I got back into quilting and 2 years ago I quit my job and I quilt about 3-4 days a week. I have made over 20 quilts, but I've never made a Y seam (don't even want to try) and shy away from hard blocks. I still fumble over flying geese. I finally had to make them using the one seam method. I see all the beautiful quilts everyone makes here and some of the newbie ones and I still can't figure out if I am a newbie or not. I have a LOT to learn. I don't quilt my quilts. I take them to the LAQ. I applique a lot. I'm learning paper piecing now. I'm doing the free BOM at www.craftsy.com and have been able to make every block easily, but they are easy blocks, which is what I do. But when I look at all the pictures of everyone's quilts, I think I belong in the "newbie" section. So should I consider myself a newbie, which is fine by me because then I don't feel so guilty that I don't try advanced blocks.

Originally Posted by DebraK

I don't worry about titles. If you've made 20 quilts, you are a quilter, period.

This!

Alison

The only thing that really needs a label for identification is a tin can...is it peaches, pasta or paint. As far as quilting 'ranks', it's your skill level that determines that, not quantity or longevity. Some people are beginners after 30 years, others are advanced after a single quilt. The higher you aim, the higher you'll get, but only you can decide where to set your goals. Call yourself a quilter, for that is what you are.

Originally Posted by ghostrider

The only thing that really needs a label for identification is a tin can...is it peaches, pasta or paint. As far as quilting 'ranks', it's your skill level that determines that, not quantity or longevity. Some people are beginners after 30 years, others are advanced after a single quilt. The higher you aim, the higher you'll get, but only you can decide where to set your goals. Call yourself a quilter, for that is what you are.

see me

I like the way you think! I've been quilting for 30 years now (I started when I was 2 years old... LOL!). I still consider myself a newbie. But that's just how I see me. I could care less how everybody rates my quilting ability. 20 quilts is nothing to sneeze out!

Originally Posted by ghostrider

The only thing that really needs a label for identification is a tin can...is it peaches, pasta or paint..

Nice Thought! I don't think it matters whether you have done Y seams, paper piecing, applique, or a thousand of other techniques that are out there. If you make quilts, you are a quilter!

I think you are not a newbie. We all choose which patterns we want to use, so what if you like easy ones, so do I and I've been at this around 50 years.