Who Do You Think You Are....
 

Have you ever entered a quilt or quilts in a show and when you saw them hanging beside all the other beautiful quilts thought...Who Do You Think You Are... having your colorless, blah creations mixed in with these beautiful quilts? That's kind of how I feel after a show this weekend.

We are all our worst enemy. We need to step back and appreciate what wonderful things we can and do create.

Yes, I have been there and can understand BUT I am trying to learn to see the beauty in my work, too.

I have not ever entered anything for any type of show competition. But when it comes to quilt shows, don't they have to meet certain criteria? If they didn't think your quilt was worthy of being in the show, wouldn't they tell you ahead of time? Congrats on being in the show. That is something to be very proud of. Would love to see your entry. I'm sure it's beautiful.

Contrast makes life interesting.

Your quilts may have been more subdued, but if they are appropriate for who/what you made them for - that is more imprtant than having the one with the most pop.

You put something in a show - I think that is brave - especially if this was your first show.

Now that you've looked at the other quilts - did/do like them well enogh to make something similar?

Or are you okay with what you have been doing?

I've only entered into shows hosted by a local quilt guild. There are always quilts there that are nicer, and some that are perhaps not as nice. But that's okay. If every quilt were the same there wouldn't be a show. When you look at all the "better" quilts you can either feel intimidated or energized. Sometimes I waffle between the two, particularly if it's a big show with nationally known quilters. But I try to be motivated to make better quilts, try new techniques, venture into new color choices, etc.

Never fear, for every subdued quilt there are viewers who prefer subdued quilts. Personally, I love to see something different. When they are all art quilts, I think it gets boring. Show your quilt with pride. Beginners to experts need to see different ideas. A good show will include all quilts.

When I criticize my work, a friend always reminds me that we (quilters) are our own worst critics. You should pat yourself on the back for trying and having the courage to enter a show. I'm doing it for the first time this weekend.

Mobridge mom, I love your signature.

I haven't entered a contest yet, but once I took a quilt class with 5 other women making the same quilt and I was surprised at how 'homey' my quilt was compared to theirs. I like my quilt but theirs were stunning. Different fabrics in their quilts were the reason, mine was really blah compared to anything they made.

I enjoy seeing all kinds of quilts at a show. Yes the awesome ones that I will never make and take my breath away but I spend as much time amongst the ones that I might attempt and enjoy watching them as much. I agree, I never entered a quilt in a show, you should be proud you did.

Yes, you will ALWAYS see a quilt that looks nicer than yours. I took 2nd place in a major quilt show and when I saw who won 1st place, I didn't have any regrets. She deserved first place but did they have to show the quilt every day in the opening sequence of Simply Quilts? :)

I was at my local Fall Fair on Sunday. One of the reasons I go each year is to look at the quilts and other handwork.

I love to see a variety of techniques, patterns, skill levels and colour palettes. Reading the tags to learn about the inspiration, source, and techniques is part of the fun and I am disappointed when that information is not available.

Are all the quilts to my taste, no, but I can appreciate each and every one

No, I feel all my quilts are as beautiful as they are going to get, I love some more than others, but I am proud if I finished them

Be proud of yourself for entering a quilt show! We are each so different and so are our quilts ... that is what makes life so interesting. Don't be so hard on yourself, be proud!

I have had a few blah quilts hanging next to wonderful creations. My thought was Oh well, maybe someone will see my quilt and think Hey my quilt looks like that, I can enter my quilt if she can. LOL I don't get intimidated by beautiful quilts, I feel motivated.

Different strokes for different folks. If we all did the same type of quilting, how boring it would be. I enjoy looking at everyone's work of art, but does not lessen the pride I feel when I finish a quilt.

i hear you. I am not a lot of pieces quilter. I do a lot of slice and dice or strippy quilts. I kind of dress them up with applique. I do get a lot of compliments so i guess they arent so bad. But we are our worst critics to ourselves. But i still look at some of the intricickly designed ones and cringe. But on the possitive side, we are an encouragement to others who feel like we do. I keep on quilting and enjoy it.

I have never entered a show, but I really enjoy looking at ALL the quilts- some are very different from my tastes, pattern choices and/or color pallette-I appreciate the different approaches. Some are way beyond my abilities, they are inspiring-but each one inspires me in some way-even if it's "That color combination doesn't work as well as I thought it would". Thanks to all with the courage to enter! Maybe some day....

Too much odious comparison is not good if you want to improve and make better quilts. Let's face it, we all generally improve with practice. If you genuinely think the other quilts are of better quality, learn from the information that they or their makers may give to you. You guys are in a wonderful position that you can practice and have disasters at a relatively cheap price. It generally breaks the bank in other countries. Go ahead and make more and have fun with it. All the best.

First of all, you deserve a pat on the back for taking the time and having the courage to enter a quilt show. So who do you think you are? I think you are a quilter who was generous to share your work and love of quilting with others.

Not everyone likes big showy quilts that have been quilted to death. I am a simpler person who really loves the subtle shades of life. Not every thing needs to stand up and scream.

I'm glad to see quilts such as yours at the shows. If all that were there were extraordinary in piecing and quilting I might just give up knowing I will never be that good. At the very least it would be very depressing. So keep showing those quilts!

After 30+ years, my quilts still only go into non-judged (maybe viewer's choice only) shows. I have taught myself not to be concerned with what some arbitrary person thinks of my quilts, since I make them for the joy of doing it for myself.

I guess what I mean is, I enjoy sharing my quilts, but I don't solicit critique.

Jan in VA

I always feel that way about my quilts and wall hangings! Not too long ago I was surfing around Google and looking at quilts and saw one I really liked. Then I said..."wait a minute....that's my quilt!!" I've learned that everyone is different, and everyone has different likes. I'll bet there were plenty of people who loved your quilt!!