Originally Posted by Ninnie
I used to feel that way also, not so much anymore. I know that whatever i decide to use, I can replace it with something just as beautiful. And using gives me an excuse to go buy more. Go ahead, and take that first step!! It only hurts for a little while :lol: :lol:
I had this very same fear for a very long/unhealthy time. It give credit for it, to my ocd-ish/perfectionistic/anxiety ridden side.
That might not be your problem, but it sure sounds like me.
In the beginning I had such dreams of these perfect, beautiful creations that would be loved immensely. That's a nice dream...but when I finally began to use my fabrics, (and I had been sewing since aged ten! only been quilting for a few years)...I learned that I was going to make a lot of things and get better and better as I went along, but 'perfection'...if it ever happens, wasn't going to be overnight and for me, there is absolutely only one way to get there...one cut at a time.
What helped me get started was making blocks to send for a friend, celebration or charity quilts. These gave me a little fix and helped build my confidence.
After all, we get good at making blocks and how is a quilt made? One block at a time.
I am still kind of guarded about my favorite fabrics, waiting for some fantastic pattern to come along.
But you know what I have discovered? The things I have made were better than I expected. I am not just talking about my skills, but about the way the colors etc. look together.
I found it's all in the doing. I had to make myself DO! It was the only way to overcome the anxiety.
Like Ninnie said, there are other beautiful fabrics and it only hurts a little for a short period of time...and then the fun/elation starts!
One more thing: some of my fear was my ruler slipping a bit, when I tried to cut my fabric. I use small adhesive sandpaper dots on my rulers now and I learned to fold accurately and hold down firmly on my ruler when I cut. Also using the less expensive cuts in the beginning helps, bc if you do make a mistake, it won't bother you as much as making it on those costlier fabrics.
The more you educate yourself on folding, cutting and measuring the more confident you are going to become.
I am so much happier now that I have jumped in and started doing. It's a blast to be on this side of it.
So, I would take a deep breath and go for it! :-D