ghostrider

There's always Gibbs' rule #6 - Never apologize -- it's a sign of weakness.

ladydukes

Tartan, I love your comment on 'original design element' as I find myself being anal retentive sometimes...

liese

And I thought it was ONLY me that did that! And always after I point out the errors I feel like I could kick myself cause its only me who knows what the mistakes are. The recipient of the quilt has no idea.

Sew Hooked

I will point out flaws to other quilters. It's something that we do in the "sisterhood"; but I wouldn't point out flaws to the person you're giving the quilt to! Why? To make sure they know their quilt is imperfect? What is the point in doing that? You should stop that immediately. Join a guild and tell them. They will understand, and lovingly receive your "confession."

faykilgore

Love this thread. Great thoughts and suggestions. Made me realize I also present quilts with apologies. My worst comment is, "It's not my best work." What does that say to the recipient? I will start saying with the very next quilt, "I enjoyed making it for you." It's usually true!

Iraxy

I am this way too. I also, have great hair. It is silvery gray and I have lots of it. I have people tell me that I have great hair all the time. I always say something deprecating about it telling people that it is coarse, hard to handle, etc., etc. My daughter once said "you should just say thanks mom and leave it at that." Now, be it about my quilt gifts or my hair, I just say thanks. It took a while, but I am there. Finally!

PS, why do we always say things that belittle our efforts or our selves? Is it bred in us, if so, why? It does not seem to help.
PPS, no need to answer, but maybe we can think about it and maybe change it in the next generation.

country-girl

pyffer3

I am the same way but one thing I always remember is that we are not perfect. So if I make a mistake as long as it is not a huge one, I say it is okay.

QuiltingHaven

When I give anything that I have made, my stock comment is "There is not another quilt in the world like this one and I made it just for you!!!" Yep, there are flaws but only a quilt police would pick them out but I have decided, it is a quilt, made with love for friends, takes a lot of time and I change every pattern I begin with so that each quilt is unique!!! So my friends and family know that I care about them. And my quilts won't win all the awards but they will be used and loved.

marymc

30 some years ago my MIL gave me the best life lesson. We had done some wall papering and she helped me fix a problem area. Soon after I was showing my parents and I pointed out the mistake. MIL quietly told me that no one would notice if I kept quiet. She always reinforced this with a gentle "looks good to me" when I pointed out my deficiencies after that. What lovely woman to help a young wife and mother gain confidence. I lost my own mother when I was only 22 so having this wonderful lady in my life for the next 24 years was a real blessing.

2blackcats

After they thank you just say only God is perfect (I understand the Amish used to say this and always intentionally made a mistake - I learned this on this board.) So after you tell them that just add that are some flaws and leave it at that.