I have been a perfectionist all my life; but, with quilting I have learned that some times good enough is the right way to go. I continue to try to be perfect; but, this medium of expression has taught me something. There are times when you just can't be perfect. It's a life lesson that I have now incorporated into my life. At 62 it's hard to change; but, quilting [to honor the fact I learned to sew through my materal grandmother -- quit the "making clothes" (that I hated)] I have developed a new perspective. I love the sewing. I hated the way the clothes I made felt (when I was in my teens). I've been gathering fabric to make blouses since I can't find any I like any more. My first (not finished) was a disaster since the pattern for my size wasn't my size. (didn't bother to check measurements -- times have changed, obviously, you have to check the measurements) It was perfect (yes); but too small when I tried it on before the sleeves. Learned another life lesson -- the 1960's patterns aren't the 2009 patterns.
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?"