Originally Posted by Mattee
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?"
Hi Mattee.....
For me, quilting is supposed to RELAX me, not add additional stress to my life. (I have enough of that. Don't we all?)
I make quilts. I give away quilts. I do them at MY pace. (My sister is patiently waiting for two years for her quilt.) I make them ONLY for people I want to make them for. Do NOT ASK for a quilt! I absolutely CANNOT quilt on demand. I teach a beginner's course with retired teachers and have only learned the project in the months before the class myself! I make mistakes and the class and I solve them together. They know, I know, we are in this for FUN!
One of the best hints I can give you (and the quilting police do not like it but I don't like the quilting police!) is to work on the batting and the top together WITHOUT THE BACKING!!!! (Shhhhh....I hear the QP gasping and I see them holding onto their hearts!) Or do the back and the batting without the top.
I can then concentrate on smooth work on the one side. When that is done, I then attach the other side and concentrate on doing it without puckers. It works. It is soooooooooooooo much easier.(And because the batting is completely attached on the one side, you don't have to do as much quilting on the other.)
I have only been quilting for just over five years and in this retired teacher's life, I have given up listening to people who HAVE TO BE RIGHT, I trust my own instincts or ask friends who are kind, gentle and loving, and am grateful for everyday. Some days are harder than others but making life more enjoyable for me is a worthwhile project. I spent the first fifty-five years doing for others, the way others wanted and now the next fifty-five years are for me. Join me. Love yourself and know MOST of us on this board would love a quilt from you made with love and kindness. We would even be happy if the threads didn't MATCH!!!! (JOKE........right????????) Take it easy on yourself and breathe deeply and kindly! Stick with the positive, never PERFECT people. Sigh...........welcome to quilting heaven.
Oh, yes.......when looking at quilts......it is like looking at children's photographs.......they LOOK like PERFECT kids but when you see them in reality, they might not be so perfect. Wouldn't you like to show off your children or grandchildren in pictures when they sit still, don't cry, poop in their diapers, and smile rather than see them in person while you are at a quilt meeting? Pictures can be perfect.................but our precious angels, just like our precious work, look a bit more "scrappy" in reality!!! (And we love them immeasureably!!!!) LOL!!!!!!!!!!