Originally Posted by JulieR
The problem is, some of the most talented quilters in the world are members of this forum and it's very easy to be intimidated by that. I also sometimes feel like the bar has been raised so high I can never achieve it!
But out there in the "real world" most people don't know a nine patch from an art quilt. They don't dwell on perfect seams and points. All they know about is the love and time you took to think of them and make their quilts.
Don't let the "honors class" scare you. I'm in the beginner/intermediate stage myself, so I ooh and aah at the pretty pretty, and then sit down and sew my squares together. My squares are better for my having been here and yours will be, too. :)
With practice (lots of practice too) and determination, the fear will dissolve.
I was intimidated in the beginning.....the horrors of not getting the perfect 1/4' seam, but with practice and repetition, seams will improve.
You need to practice and experiment until you are satisfied with YOUR own work.
I sometimes make my seams a little larger than 1/4" for my purposes and if it's something that I am keeping or making for someone in the family.
If the blocks are for a swap, then meticulously the process is engaged with the cutting, pressing and sewing.