Find a way to enjoy each step along the way to learning your craft. The spark that got you into quilting/thread painting in the first place demanded you to learn more and be better at producing a finished lovely design.
I think I understand what you are saying when you say you have lost your creativity in the process. But, look at the talent you have gained to execute most any design you wish in a beautiful and skillful way. Doesn't that weigh out to be a generous benefit?
Yes we all aspire to be better at making quilted items. That is why we undertake the hard work and hours of practice. Just learn to respect your time and work and hopefully to love it. We may have pulled back a curtain, but, it is still amazingly fun, right?
By the way, never listen to a mean person. They are not an authority to trust or they would never speak harsh words to a fellow quilter. We, here on the board, call them the quilt police. LOL!