Originally Posted by bstanbro
I so often read posts where people are having a hard time enjoying quilting because they are so critical of their work. I keep wanting to share something, but I fear it's a copyright infringement. I think I have figured out a way to do it without stepping on anyone's toes.
When I learned to quilt two years ago, I took a course at our local community college. My quilting instructor did our class such a tremendous service by first reading an essay to us. It was the first thing she said or did. It's the single most important reason I have been able to be forgiving of my work and quilt for the sheer joy of it, becoming a better quilter in the process. (I still have a LOT to learn.)
It's an essay by Teri Christopherson entitled "The Perfect Quilt," and it's published in one of her books. I don't know which one. If you would like to read it, send me a PM with your email, and I will send it to you. (I don't think I'm infringing on a copyright if I do it this way. I'm not selling it after all.)
Until then, enjoy.
I would be interested in reading this poem, but I doubt it will change the critical eye I have for my own quilts. Considering the amount of time, effort, and money that goes into each of my quilts, I expect the construction to amount to perfection. Oddly enough, I don't expect that level out of anyone else. What I have done is pushed myself to continue to learn until I know I have the skill set to reach the goals I set for myself. I may not be there yet, but I'm working on it. :-D
Honestly, I see nothing wrong with striving to do my best. I don't reject a quilt if it isn't perfect. Usually it's a learning experience and I can still treasure a quilt without it needing to be perfect. Heck, I wouldn't enjoy quilt shows and Show & Tell at my guilds or here in this Forum if I were snobbish. You don't have to be stuck-up or un-fun as some seem to indicate to want to do good work on a quilt. And if I make the perfect quilt, it doesn't mean I am done. There are always areas to learn and improve in. It simply means I am growing as a quilter and that is being reflected in my quilts.
I hope that doesn't sound too defensive. I guess I just believe it is not a bad thing to want to reach a time where the points all come out perfect and everything balances.