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Poodles 10-24-2010 06:30 PM

I ripped a lot of seams out of the top I am doing because some of the seams didn't line up but tonight, I didn't rip the one or two that didn't match. I just kept on sewing. I can't seem too get all of the right anyway and like you said if I gotta stress over it, then I am in the wrong hobby!

donnalynett 10-24-2010 08:35 PM

The Flawed Quilt.....great idea. I think I'll make a sign for my sewing room....The Flawed Quilter.

Leota 10-24-2010 08:46 PM

Only my mother would point out the "oops" in something...I say if you can't see it from 5 ft away... go with it...

amalia64 10-24-2010 11:14 PM

my 'good enough' is getting better and I'm enjoying it. I know my quilts well never make it to a show cuz I'm not making them for that. I just hope that the person that recieves my quilt will like it as much as I do and can see beyond my not so perfect blocks.

Victoria L 10-25-2010 06:31 AM

Good enough is ok with me now. I was so worried about being perfect that I wasn't enjoying the process anymore. Now I "just do it" and no one notices the little imperfections that I used to obsess over. Have fun and relax.

wildyard 10-25-2010 07:00 AM

LOL, I have decided that I am not going to live long enough to make something perfect. So if I ever want to finish a darn thing, I am happily going to settle for good enough. No matter how many mistakes I rip out and correct, there is another one waiting just around the next seam.
I sew with joy, love and pleasure. That gets the projects done and they are received the same way. What more do I need? Smiles and huggggggs

BettyGee 10-25-2010 07:03 AM


Originally Posted by lnikkers52
I always thought god enough was good enough . Until I show it to someone then I point out ever little imperfection. So if it's good enough why do I do that hummmmmm

I can relate to that. I still like the saying that I was told by a dear friend that to leave a small mistake in your work is your signature. Will keep on trying to do my very best and just enjoy the work.

Melinda in Tulsa 10-25-2010 07:19 AM


Originally Posted by BettyGee

Originally Posted by lnikkers52
I always thought god enough was good enough . Until I show it to someone then I point out ever little imperfection. So if it's good enough why do I do that hummmmmm

I can relate to that. I still like the saying that I was told by a dear friend that to leave a small mistake in your work is your signature. Will keep on trying to do my very best and just enjoy the work.

:lol: :lol: :lol: I don't have to *worry* about leaving a small mistake! Mine come naturally! ;-)

craftiladi 10-25-2010 09:18 AM


Originally Posted by Fox
The Flawed Quilt? I love that name. I think I'll borow it for a sign on my sewing room door!

I too love that name too...such a cute name, would fit my quilting perfectly.
Hey Fox I am a Fox too...dee

Ragann63 10-27-2010 08:19 AM

I am not a "good enough" person. Everything I do in life, I do to the best of my ability. It is my only legacy. "Good enough" is why I have left a number of quilt block swaps, etc. I don't want to go to a doctor or dentist, or have someone work on my home, who subscribes to the "good enough" theory and I would always hope that my friends and family expect more out of me. There is a wonderful poem about "Good Enough." I will post it someday.

I know that reply sounds snotty, but I assume you wanted truthful answers! :)

GailG 10-27-2010 10:37 AM


Originally Posted by Ragann63
I am not a "good enough" person. Everything I do in life, I do to the best of my ability. It is my only legacy. "Good enough" is why I have left a number of quilt block swaps, etc. I don't want to go to a doctor or dentist, or have someone work on my home, who subscribes to the "good enough" theory and I would always hope that my friends and family expect more out of me. There is a wonderful poem about "Good Enough." I will post it someday.

I know that reply sounds snotty, but I assume you wanted truthful answers! :)

I don't thnk you're snooty, but at what point do you stop and say this is good. I know about self- pressure and what it'll do to a person. How much pressure to you put on yourself to do your best? I've had to learn to accept that as long as I did my best that that is good enough. Do you get what I mean? I want things to look nice and I want to always do my best, but when it isn't perfect, I have learned to draw the line and say "that's my best for now."

Short an Sweet 10-27-2010 10:48 AM

I agree , my best HAS to be "good enough" because I'm not perfect and my best is all I've got. I don't think you're snotty, but just remember to enjoy yourself.

Originally Posted by GailG

Originally Posted by Ragann63
I am not a "good enough" person. Everything I do in life, I do to the best of my ability. It is my only legacy. "Good enough" is why I have left a number of quilt block swaps, etc. I don't want to go to a doctor or dentist, or have someone work on my home, who subscribes to the "good enough" theory and I would always hope that my friends and family expect more out of me. There is a wonderful poem about "Good Enough." I will post it someday.

I know that reply sounds snotty, but I assume you wanted truthful answers! :)

I don't thnk you're snooty, but at what point do you stop and say this is good. I know about self- pressure and what it'll do to a person. How much pressure to you put on yourself to do your best? I've had to learn to accept that as long as I did my best that that is good enough. Do you get what I mean? I want things to look nice and I want to always do my best, but when it isn't perfect, I have learned to draw the line and say "that's my best for now."


GailG 10-27-2010 10:51 AM


Originally Posted by Short an Sweet
I agree , my best HAS to be "good enough" because I'm not perfect and my best is all I've got. and no Gail: I don't think you're snotty, but just remember to enjoy yourself.

Originally Posted by GailG

Originally Posted by Ragann63
I am not a "good enough" person. Everything I do in life, I do to the best of my ability. It is my only legacy. "Good enough" is why I have left a number of quilt block swaps, etc. I don't want to go to a doctor or dentist, or have someone work on my home, who subscribes to the "good enough" theory and I would always hope that my friends and family expect more out of me. There is a wonderful poem about "Good Enough." I will post it someday.

I know that reply sounds snotty, but I assume you wanted truthful answers! :)

I don't thnk you're snooty, but at what point do you stop and say this is good. I know about self- pressure and what it'll do to a person. How much pressure to you put on yourself to do your best? I've had to learn to accept that as long as I did my best that that is good enough. Do you get what I mean? I want things to look nice and I want to always do my best, but when it isn't perfect, I have learned to draw the line and say "that's my best for now."


I'm glad you agree, but it was Ragann who asked if we thought she is snotty.:o) I agree with her, but I do think there is a limit.

BettyGee 10-27-2010 02:00 PM


Originally Posted by GailG

Originally Posted by Short an Sweet
I agree , my best HAS to be "good enough" because I'm not perfect and my best is all I've got. and no Gail: I don't think you're snotty, but just remember to enjoy yourself.

Originally Posted by GailG

Originally Posted by Ragann63
I am not a "good enough" person. Everything I do in life, I do to the best of my ability. It is my only legacy. "Good enough" is why I have left a number of quilt block swaps, etc. I don't want to go to a doctor or dentist, or have someone work on my home, who subscribes to the "good enough" theory and I would always hope that my friends and family expect more out of me. There is a wonderful poem about "Good Enough." I will post it someday.

I don't think of myself as a "good enough" person in that I always try my very best to do a good job at whatever task I have. But to put pressure on myself to be a perfectionist caused me years of depression and it has taken a very long time for me to realize that there is no way I can be perfect at everything I try. So if a seam is a tad off or if a pucker creeps in I just can't beat myself up over it. Usually I'm the only one who knows where a mistake is anyway. Life is too short. I'll do my very best and that will have to do. Sorry I got way too preachy, just feel that we should be thankful for being able to express our love for others by making quilts or any other craft we pursue.

I know that reply sounds snotty, but I assume you wanted truthful answers! :)

I don't thnk you're snooty, but at what point do you stop and say this is good. I know about self- pressure and what it'll do to a person. How much pressure to you put on yourself to do your best? I've had to learn to accept that as long as I did my best that that is good enough. Do you get what I mean? I want things to look nice and I want to always do my best, but when it isn't perfect, I have learned to draw the line and say "that's my best for now."


I'm glad you agree, but it was Ragann who asked if we thought she is snotty.:o) I agree with her, but I do think there is a limit.


Mattee 10-27-2010 03:03 PM

Thank you everyone, for your replies. I enjoyed them all - whether you're a perfectionist or not.

To respond to some of your questions, I have tried quilt-as-you-go, and it definately solves my space problem, but I prefer to quilt the traditional way. I dream of the day when we'll have enough space for a sewing studio, complete with a table or frame for basting, or at least some decent floor space.

GailG 10-27-2010 04:04 PM


Originally Posted by Mattee
Thank you everyone, for your replies. I enjoyed them all - whether you're a perfectionist or not.

To respond to some of your questions, I have tried quilt-as-you-go, and it definately solves my space problem, but I prefer to quilt the traditional way. I dream of the day when we'll have enough space for a sewing studio, complete with a table or frame for basting, or at least some decent floor space.

I definitely want to review the process for quilt as you go so I can try it. This last quilt has really done a number on my back. I don't have the right space and heights for a big quilt. And this was only the size of the top of my queen size bed.

Mattee 10-27-2010 04:06 PM

Once you learn the process, it's really easy. It just limits your design options some. I highly recommend it as a skill worth learning. I believe that there are several different methods.


Originally Posted by GailG

Originally Posted by Mattee
Thank you everyone, for your replies. I enjoyed them all - whether you're a perfectionist or not.

To respond to some of your questions, I have tried quilt-as-you-go, and it definately solves my space problem, but I prefer to quilt the traditional way. I dream of the day when we'll have enough space for a sewing studio, complete with a table or frame for basting, or at least some decent floor space.

I definitely want to review the process for quilt as you go so I can try it. This last quilt has really done a number on my back. I don't have the right space and heights for a big quilt. And this was only the size of the top of my queen size bed.


svenskaflicka1 10-28-2010 05:41 AM

"only the mediocre are always at their best."

i use all my mad skilz at work, where perfection is required. i give anesthesia. no second best, no second guessing. no room for error.

so, when i get home, it is time to relax. my family won't remember if my house is perfect, but like my mom used to say, "even if you could eat off the floor--who'd want to?" my kids will remember the pets we had, the fun projects we did, the backyard carnivals, the cookies we made--and they still snuggle under less-than-perfect quilts i made for them 15 years ago. the kids have grown up, and the quilts have moved with them.

yes, perfection, where and when it is needed--but time to relax and be real when the situation is not life and death!

Short an Sweet 10-28-2010 05:46 AM

1 Attachment(s)
here's a picture of the Quilt as you go that I just finished, I got the information off a tute on the board, http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-52698-1.htm

Originally Posted by GailG

Originally Posted by Mattee
Thank you everyone, for your replies. I enjoyed them all - whether you're a perfectionist or not.

To respond to some of your questions, I have tried quilt-as-you-go, and it definately solves my space problem, but I prefer to quilt the traditional way. I dream of the day when we'll have enough space for a sewing studio, complete with a table or frame for basting, or at least some decent floor space.

I definitely want to review the process for quilt as you go so I can try it. This last quilt has really done a number on my back. I don't have the right space and heights for a big quilt. And this was only the size of the top of my queen size bed.


BettyGee 10-28-2010 10:23 AM


Originally Posted by svenskaflicka1
"only the mediocre are always at their best."

i use all my mad skilz at work, where perfection is required. i give anesthesia. no second best, no second guessing. no room for error.

so, when i get home, it is time to relax. my family won't remember if my house is perfect, but like my mom used to say, "even if you could eat off the floor--who'd want to?" my kids will remember the pets we had, the fun projects we did, the backyard carnivals, the cookies we made--and they still snuggle under less-than-perfect quilts i made for them 15 years ago. the kids have grown up, and the quilts have moved with them.

yes, perfection, where and when it is needed--but time to relax and be real when the situation is not life and death!

Oh, you have absolutely explained it perfectly and no pun is intended.

GailG 10-28-2010 11:14 AM


Originally Posted by Short an Sweet
here's a picture of the Quilt as you go that I just finished, I got the information off a tute on the board, http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-52698-1.htm

Originally Posted by GailG

Originally Posted by Mattee
Thank you everyone, for your replies. I enjoyed them all - whether you're a perfectionist or not.

To respond to some of your questions, I have tried quilt-as-you-go, and it definately solves my space problem, but I prefer to quilt the traditional way. I dream of the day when we'll have enough space for a sewing studio, complete with a table or frame for basting, or at least some decent floor space.

I definitely want to review the process for quilt as you go so I can try it. This last quilt has really done a number on my back. I don't have the right space and heights for a big quilt. And this was only the size of the top of my queen size bed.


Thank you Neighbor. Very clear tute. I think I can do this.

TN Donna 10-28-2010 12:33 PM


Originally Posted by svenskaflicka1
"only the mediocre are always at their best."

i use all my mad skilz at work, where perfection is required. i give anesthesia. no second best, no second guessing. no room for error.

so, when i get home, it is time to relax. my family won't remember if my house is perfect, but like my mom used to say, "even if you could eat off the floor--who'd want to?" my kids will remember the pets we had, the fun projects we did, the backyard carnivals, the cookies we made--and they still snuggle under less-than-perfect quilts i made for them 15 years ago. the kids have grown up, and the quilts have moved with them.

yes, perfection, where and when it is needed--but time to relax and be real when the situation is not life and death!

My thoughts exactly.

wildyard 10-29-2010 10:23 AM

Good enough does not have to imply that it is not ones' best. Only that we, for our own peace of mind, accept that our best is "good enough" for our friends and loved ones. If my best won't do, then what is the point of trying? Sure I hope to improve with every effort, and learn more every day. But that can only happen if I continue doing the projects that are good enough (my best)for now, until I develop the skills to do better. And if my best isn't good enough for someone now, I'm sorry, but it's all I've got to offer. And I may not be offering it later when my best is much better. LOL

georgia 10-29-2010 10:58 AM

You are so right about FMQ. I've tried and tried and can't not get it down. So my SID is gonna have to do for quilting my tops. My sisters don't quilt and appreciate every quilt I've given them and also rave about them . My quilts are nevr perfect but they love them because they love me. Blessings, quilters

my3furryfriends 10-29-2010 11:15 AM

I only learned and started quilting this year, and had a lot of angst over not having my seams and points match properly. But, when I shared my feelings about this to my other sewing buddy, she quoted to me what the Amish said about not sewing so perfect, it is because "only God is perfect." So, I just chug along, trying my best to just take my time.

The main thing about quilting is to have fun doing it--perfect or not. We are our own worse critics, so just "Sew Happy!"

Dingle 10-29-2010 11:55 AM

I try my best at what I'm making. If it starts to drive me nuts, I look at it and say "good" because I have had "enough" trying to make it better. :thumbup:

sewhat540 04-06-2011 05:33 AM

Yes there are many quilts that we view here that are just perfect but I know I am not perfect but do like what I do and enjoy doing for others and if that is not good enough then, you will not get one of anything I make again. So, there is only one person that is perfect so why keep doing it again and again.

sewhat540 04-06-2011 05:35 AM

I like the quilt you are doing there. I do have a hint to give out. Instead of using pins for the binding try the hair clips. Then, no stabbing of fingers. Have a great day.

Short an Sweet 04-06-2011 05:17 PM


Originally Posted by sewhat540
I like the quilt you are doing there. I do have a hint to give out. Instead of using pins for the binding try the hair clips. Then, no stabbing of fingers. Have a great day.

funny you should say that, my sister sent me those the week after I finished it and I haven't used anything else since, they are great!!

LAB55 04-06-2011 05:26 PM

Good enough works for me !! :-) ;-)

raedar63 04-06-2011 05:27 PM


Originally Posted by sewgray
Good enough suits me just fine.

Me too, and that is why I don't post my completed things on here lol.

Rntraveler 04-06-2011 05:29 PM

I don't think there is anything wrong with "good enough"...

After all, I don't quilt or sew anything for anyone or any show... won't be happening. It would take all the fun out of it for me..

I am in the process of finishing up a "good enough" quilt for "me".... I love it, I don't worry what anyone else might think and it's me..

TonnieLoree 04-06-2011 07:23 PM

Unless it is a terrible pleat on the back side, then Good Enough is good 'nuff for me

mzsooz 04-06-2011 08:16 PM

I'm definitely not a perfectionist. I do the best I can. I have problems with my hands so it is very difficult for me to rip out stitches. Therefore, I let things pass that others would not. I sew for my sanity and so "good enough" is always "good enough" for me. :wink:

Rose_P 04-06-2011 08:53 PM

I'm still learning, and prefer to think of myself as a life-long learner. It's certainly a gradual process - I've been sewing forever and quilting a little for almost as long. I try to make each effort better than the previous, and I'm always looking for better ways of doing things. If something is not too difficult or too risky to fix, I will fix it. There will always be problems that will bug me, but I don't have any difficulty moving on from my far-from-perfect creations. Otherwise, I would probably have given it up long ago.


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