I am working on a small quilt for the AQS Guild Challenge.(Eight quilts from 8 members of the quilt that set guidelines and follow them in their own way.) I must say that the pressure to make it perfect is kind of sapping the joy out of the project as I get closer to the end. The pressure is coming from my own perception of a quilt show quality piece.
Have I worked harder to reach the "perfect" show quilt stage? Sure, but aiming for the goal of perfect and hitting the goal are two very different things. I know that I am not a quilt show quilter. I would much rather make donation quilts and give someone a "warm hug" than compete. I can say the challenge has improved some of my skills and that is good. My corners match better, cutting was more exact, squaring up much better and color balance/block placement is better. Perfect, nope! But I am meeting the design requirements for the challenge and I have enjoyed that part of the process a lot. Would I do this kind of challenge again? In a hot minute. It has been a good vehicle to push me to refine skills and that is a close to perfection as I desire to get.