bkay

I think your question begs to be answered with the old quip, "Different strokes for different folks". As with garment sewing, some people make wedding dresses and some people make children's shorts.

I look at quilting as a craft. It's much like cabinet making or garment sewing. It's making a product to be used and enjoyed. In the case of quilts, they are used to keep people warm, cheer up a distraught child, warm a dialysis patient, celebrate the birth of a child, commemorate a wedding or just to remind someone they are loved.

Although most societies revere art in it's many incarnations, it is not very useful. It hangs on the wall or sits on a pedestal, period. At it's best, it shows the artist's love of life and shares the beauty the artists sees. Sometimes it's just a useless lump of steel that sits in a city park that most passers-by wonder what it's supposed to be.

I suppose my point of view is reflected in my choice of patterns. I don't intentionally make wall hangings. I love quick and easy. Endlessly sewing small bits of fabric together might be the most boring task I can imagine. I don't think I could ever get all the seams to match on one of Bonnie Hunter's quilts. I love Eleanor Burn's "quilt in a day" patterns. Success is matching seams, a non wavy border or the delight people show when a special quilt is made just for them.

I enjoy my craft and the act of giving. For me, that's what it's all about. If I choose "quick and easy" over "slow and deliberate", that doesn't change anything. I'm still a quilt maker and I deserve that moniker.

bkay