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-   -   Anyone else ok with "good enough" (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/anyone-else-ok-%22good-enough%22-t71424.html)

donnalynett 10-22-2010 09:00 PM

My quilts go to the hospital pediatric ward and to hospice for cancer patients...they know the quilt was made with love and I seem to be the only one complaining about all my crooked seams, puckered backs and frequent pieces of fabric wrong side out.

Fox 10-22-2010 10:07 PM

I used to be a perfectionist...then I started quilting, and have learned not to take myself, and life so serioiusly.

JudithAnn 10-22-2010 10:47 PM

Good enough is good enough. I don't sweat the small stuff.

Maksi 10-22-2010 10:51 PM

Somewere on the board I've learned that if it looks good from 10 ft away it's good enough. Since that I follow this rule and it worked, it's almost always good enough.

Annaleehunter 10-22-2010 11:05 PM


Originally Posted by Mattee
I spend a lot of time admiring everyone's beautiful work on this board. I am amazed at the stunning artistry of so many of this community's quilts. I have to admit, however, that I'm not sure I fit in.

When I am making a quilt, I often settle for "good enough." I quilt to relax, and because I love wrapping up in a cozy quilt. If I'm trying to make it perfect, it becomes stressful. I don't stress over mismatched seems, points that don't match, blocks that are a bit crooked or slightly different sizes, or any of the other issues that I know many of you go to great lengths to make perfect. The only thing that annoys me is bunched backing, but that's because I don't have any space to baste properly, so the lack of space annoys me more than anything.

So, what about it? Am I alone? Are there any others out there that notice errors and keep going anyway without ripping out seems? Do any of you make quilts that have quite a few obvious errors, and you chalk it up to "personalization" and "being unpredictable?"

This is why I am crazy about rag quilts. People love them, but there are many mistakes to be hidden with a larger seam allowance. It gives you freedom to create and have fun!

rona thickpenny 10-22-2010 11:07 PM

good enough is GREAT . at my time of life i don`t worry and waste time in perfection as i find it so hard to achive.time is more important. i addmire any one who achives perfection, unfortunatley it is`nt me .i simply enjoy quilting and the pleasure i gain from a wonderful hobby .

TN Donna 10-23-2010 12:07 AM


Originally Posted by Mattee
I spend a lot of time admiring everyone's beautiful work on this board. I am amazed at the stunning artistry of so many of this community's quilts. I have to admit, however, that I'm not sure I fit in.

When I am making a quilt, I often settle for "good enough." I quilt to relax, and because I love wrapping up in a cozy quilt. If I'm trying to make it perfect, it becomes stressful. I don't stress over mismatched seems, points that don't match, blocks that are a bit crooked or slightly different sizes, or any of the other issues that I know many of you go to great lengths to make perfect. The only thing that annoys me is bunched backing, but that's because I don't have any space to baste properly, so the lack of space annoys me more than anything.

So, what about it? Am I alone? Are there any others out there that notice errors and keep going anyway without ripping out seems? Do any of you make quilts that have quite a few obvious errors, and you chalk it up to "personalization" and "being unpredictable?"

There is at least one more--me. I have trouble too and I have learned if I spread it all out on the bed and roll it all together and work in smale segments it helps. I don't do perfect work and probably never will again. My daughter resented me being perfect and I almost lost my relationship with her over this. Now we are real good friends.

rosie212 10-23-2010 02:09 AM

I am the same way. Have you ever tried making quilts where you quilt the sections before you piece them together? Betty Cotton has quilt patterns in which that is what you do. "The cotton theory" can be found at www.quiltyard.com. This is a very unusual technique that produces beautiful quilts.

Cinderella 10-23-2010 02:09 AM

A beautiful quilter in our group said she tries three times and if it isn't right on the third try that is the way it stays. The Amish who we all know are experts at quilting ALWAYS leave a mistake in each quilt....the reason...No one is perfect but God. Works for me!

Cinderella 10-23-2010 02:09 AM

A beautiful quilter in our group said she tries three times and if it isn't right on the third try that is the way it stays. The Amish who we all know are experts at quilting ALWAYS leave a mistake in each quilt....the reason...No one is perfect but God. Works for me!


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