I've just read through all 14 pages and cautiously would like to comment on a few things . . . if I'm interpreting anything incorrectly, please forgive me as I don't want to offend anyone or make any wrong assumptions.
1. Joy, as a caregiver, you are a hero. As a quilter, you are beautifully talented - holy cow, your avatar is all needle-turned! Awesome!!
2. The QB is intended for all skill levels. No one should compare themselves to one another, but rather should be supportive and encouraging. I think everyone's in agreement on this, but here's where I feel nervous commenting: after reading a number of similar threads in the past, I feel the downer side of it in a different way. There are so many replies about "I quilt for fun, not for perfection." As someone who is well-skilled at piecing, I have to speak up and say that I quilt for fun too. Fun and well-skilled can go hand-in-hand but from comments written, it sounds assumed that those who strive for perfection aren't quilting for the same reasons that have all been listed previously. I won't hesitate to rip out a seam if I know I have the potential to do it better. It's not for the sake of perfection, it's to challenge myself to do the best I'm able. And man oh man, does it feel good when I exceed my own expectations! It's FUN! Looking back at my work and knowing in my heart that I settled, rather than strived, that would take all of the joy out of my quilting.
3. Perfect points do not an advanced quilter make. I've been told I have a good eye for color and balance, that my piecing is excellent, but what I know about myself is this: I love to handquilt, but I do it with big stitches and am dreadfully slow. I've yet to complete a handquilted project in under two years. And my machine quilting totally stinks. There's no two ways about it. I can't machine quilt worth a hill of beans and knowing this, I'm intimidated to try. If I don't try, I can't fail . . . but I also can't succeed. I will always push myself to do better, to learn more. It's how I grow best.
4. All of that said, I hope that each person here feels validated in finding joy in quilting. Whether one has been quilting for days or decades, is beginner or advanced, we ALL have areas to learn and grow in and we ALL have ways of inspiring one another. Quilting is about creativity, expression, "Heart Art" (I just made that up, but is it too dorky of a phrase?).
Thank you for putting up with my wordy response. I hope I haven't ruffled any feathers as that isn't my intention at all.