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?"

People used to intentionally leave a mistake in their quilts. they called it a humility block. I try to get things as perfect as possible, but sometimes you can do more harm than good by ripping it out.

I used to stress a lot over the "perfect seam", "perfect point", etc. because the first people I sewed with had to be perfect. Never thought I would ever quilt again, but the yearning was always there. One day I started again and found joy in giving loving quilts to others and making for self. Good enough is GREAT.

Good enough suits me just fine.

that's such an interesting question. When I first started quilting, I was okay with good enough. but as I continued, I gradually became more and more of a perfectionist. I agree with you, however, that Good Enough was much more relaxing and I was satisfied with the overall feeling of accomplishment that I attained from finishing the quilt. Now, I want it to be a certain way and that's where my feeling of accomplishment lies. It's still relaxing - except the actual (machine only and always) quilting. I'm always stressed during that.

I have yet to make the "perfect" quilt- but you know what that is ok with me :lol: I make them to be used and loved - and most people I know would put a "perfect" quilt up and be afraid to use them ... so YES--- most of mine are "ok" not perfect and that is OK with me :wink:

Just relax and enjoy :thumbup:

I use to want it to be perfect but then I learned to accept "good enough" and enjoy the quilt. My eyes give me a lot of problems. Ripping out a seam causes a lot of eye strain and my eyes actually hurt afterwards. I try to keep ripping out a seam to a very minimum and if I do, I then have to put the quilt away for the rest of the day. I found that my family enjoys the quilt even if I don't think it is perfect.

What looks *okay* to us, usually looks perfect to the recipient. So yes, unless it's a major disaster, *okay* is good with me!

I have learned that we are the only one that notices our unmatched seams no one else seems to. So Good enough is fine with me, When it get's stressful them it becomes work instead of pleasure.

I almost always settle for "Good Enough". It keeps me sane.

I am trying because I have too many projects to make. I agree that for me also I want to quilt for the fun of it and not feel too burdened with perfectionism. Life is hard enough as it is and quilting is supposed to be my therapy. I am still strugling though to let go and enjoy the ride.

Also my family enjoys the quilts much more when they can use it then when it is stuck in my studio for yrs on end waiting to be perfect.

Well Mattee I'm with you this is something I do for me time. I'm not in it to enter into compitions or win awards. I enjoy doing crafty things, they are great stress reliefs. My DH tells me that the errors make them unique and personal. My family enjoys the items I give them and the Grandbaby's like all the warm, bright colored quilty things that grammy gives them.

In other words the smile on there faces is enough to say I did a great job no matter how many mismatched seems, points that don't match, blocks that are a bit crooked or slightly different sizes, or any of the other issues that it my have.

I do envey those that are that meticulous to have there work turn out just so and everything is perfect, but for me I don't need the stress it causes me to have on top of my already high stress level.

So to all of those here that can do there projects to that level my hat is off to you and a standing ovation coming your way. KUDOS to you all!

Better finished than perfect. If you can get perfect, wonderful but it isnt me usually.

I had a friend that did not finish something for fourteen years because it wasnt perfect. In the end, her problems with the quilt were really only visible to her and the quilt police.

To quote my Mom:

"Perfection is impossible.
However, excellence is attainable."

If you are okay with what you are doing, why should anyone else care one way or another?

Yes, I will settle for "good enough" - it may or may not be someone else's "good enough."

A lot depends on one's skill level and experience. I look back at some of my first sewing projects - and I was so proud of them - and see areas where I could "do it better" now - and I'm going to leave them just as they are as a tribute to the "me, then" person.

What is "Good Enough" also depends on what one wants to do! and who it's for!

I made my eldest daughter a snuggle quilt when she was very poorly a short while ago, I am trying to learn as I am fairly new to quilting. I gave it to her in hospital and said" I am sorry it is not perfect" she said"It is perfect to me" I welled up at this as she isn't a demonstrative person but I think that answers the question. Other people know the love we have put in a quilt for them so they see it as perfect for that reason. of course if you make quilts professionally this cannot apply.

You are not alone. When it starts to be stressful it becomes a UFO and then that's stressful. One of my favorite quotes is "Finished is better than perfect". That's probably why I will never enter mine in a show, but the people who receive them are always appreciative. Happy quilting.

I'm learning to "settle" for "good enough". I will work on something forever, or conversely, never pick it up if I want it to be "done right." It has left many a quilt unmade on my shelf.

Today I finished a 10 year old's birthday quilt with very crooked quilting and a few puckers on the front. I quilted it myself by machine and it was very difficult for me. The quilt won't pass "inspection" but I suspect will be used all the same.

I'm proud he gets his 10th birthday present on time.

We need to look at each quilt we make as part of the process of becoming a quilter. I learn something new with each quilt...a better method, quick trick, or perfecting a skill. I don't stress over a quilt as this is my hobby and should be fun. When it becomes no longer fun I will sell off my stash. :)
As for good enough....look at the Quilts of Gee's Bend...no matched points, not square would probably do lousy at a judged show, but they are beautiful because of the quilters. Let's not be so hard on ourselves and just enjoy the process.

I hate ripping. I do it but it has to be a pretty glaring error.

So yeah, "good enough" is good enough for me.

As my skills improve I find that I demand more of myself, but I am not a perfectionist by any means.

I had never heard of Gees Bend.. I have just googled it.. what an amazing story and you are right the quilts are fabulous. thank you for mentioning it. I have learnt something new about your wonderful country

There are many reason for "good enough". I just sent off another Quilts for Kids Downy Quilt...and it was good enough. I was late getting started due to family visit and then got the latest virus going around...and yeah, I had to rush through it so that I was less than a week late in getting it done. And even so I am happy with the results...just know I wanted to and could do better.

Well said bearisgray.

....if my quilts had to be perfect, I'd probably want them "displayed" and not "loved to death" - I'd prefer them to be loved.....

If it is the best I can do then it's good enough. If I know I could do better (not the same as I want to do better) I redo it.

Thanks for the replies. At least I'm not alone! I actually do things like refuse to starch, just because I think it's too much of a pain in the a**. I know my work would be better if I did it, but I just don't want to bother.

I've never been a fan of "good enough" because I'm a perfectionist. However, before ripping it out, I look at it from a distance - I don't do show quilts, my quilts are usually for gifts, so unless it's a glaring error, I subscribe to the "done is good" theory.

I like that my "good enough" is getting better! Bet yours is too!

I've learned to choose styles and patterns of quilting that are compatible with my "good enogh" mindset. So, while I may admire someone else's Mariner's Compass quilt, it's not something I'm going to take on -- I simply don't care about carefully matching and getting points sharp.

RST

I don't think I've ever made a perfect quilt. Nothing matched up on my early quilts. Some times they don't now. What's important is that you are happy with your work. Most of us aren't professionals at this. We do it to please our selves, to relax, and warm the people we love. That's what's important to me.

I'm finding my "good enough" keeps getting better with practice. Yea! Every time I make something I learn something new about making things work and go together better. I know my quilts will never be show quality, I started learning too late in life. But I like them.

"Good enough" works for me.

I will redo something that is a glaring mistake like a misplaced block, etc. And I do make sure my blocks are squared up the correct size so the quilt will lay flat.

But as for my handquilting stitches...don't look to closely! LOL They are not the same size...but they hold the quilt together well! :)

Thanks for this thread. I am a perfectionist-in other words, I have UFOs. I never feel my work is good enough. My sister is a professional artist and I always feel like I'm compared to her (believe me, there is NO comparison). I want to relax and enjoy the process but that's just not me right now. I do see improvement in each project I do and the recipients are always pleased and happy. I'm already over-whelmed with requests to sell table runners for Christmas so I guess others respect my work more than I do. I'll mark this thead and read it again in hopes I'll be able to relax and enjoy quilting a little more instead of it being another job.
As for FMQ-ain't gonna happen!! Can't do it--too too anal!!
Thanks everyone--you're the greatest.

at our little sewing group one time we had a lady who was so hard on herself (and us) about any little mistake...she painstakingly took out every mis-stitch...(in our group she was the chief of quilt police) one day (i was pretty new at the time to quilting) i took in a quilt i had just made to show it to the group...one of my squares i had turned sideways...and had not noticed until it was quilted and was dismayed but also thought... oh well, can not do anything about it now...of course the chief zeroed right in on it immediately...her sister (who was 93 at the time) stood up and said..."GLADYS, IF YOU CAN NOT SEE IT HANGING FROM THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?!?" everyone busted out laughing, tension was broke and we all at that moment decided to not be so hard on ourselves or each other. if you put your love and time into it, it is loved and appreciated in spite of cut off points, corners that don't line up...most of the people i have given quilts to have no idea there are mistakes. they never seem to see them...they have no idea it is not exactly what i planned it to be...only i know that. :)

I so agree with you that perfect gets put up! I have such mixed feelings about my quilts because I really want to do a great job, but then I don't want them messed up by carelessness etc. So I have to work on the "it's ok, I made them to be used!" idea. I think I will start doing mini quilts which can be hung on the wall to satisfy my need for "perfection" not that my work is always perfect! And quit stressing about the quilts I make to be used!

I like this, bear! I am happy if I know I've done the best I can. Of course, I like to challenge myself and hope to always improve, but don't want to "stress" over quilting!

Twenty years ago when I was in my 30s I learned to quilt and tried to be a perfectionist. I got frustrated with my less than perfect results and put quilting aside. There was no joy in it for me. Now I am 58, not a perfectionist, and once again quilting my less than perfect quilts and am blissfully happy. Age does have its compensations. What I see as a mistake, my family sees as a work of love.

I don't think that I'll ever make the "Perfect Quilt". However I can make the good enough ones that bring a lot of comfort and love to the receipiants. When I start fussing about a less than perfect seam or a little pucker on the back my daughter reminds me, "Mom, the baby won't care!" As quilters we see the errors but other people see the colour and the pattern and the love that was shown in the gift. Keep stitching those "good enough quilts" because it's what we quilters have to do and maybe someday you will make the perfect one.

I made a post on here not to long ago, "Am I being too hard on myself". I wanted my points to match and wanted it to be perfect.
I was told, no one is perfect except for our creator, and unless I am making it for a show (which of course I wasn't) that it is made with love, that is what counts, and to enjoy yourself.
With the help of this group, I found out, that I don't need to be hard on myself. I should enjoy what I am doing.
Everyone that I have so far given a quilt to has loved it. The encouragement, from the quilting folks here and my DH, have given me back that sparkle to go on, and don't fret as much over small stuff. So Good Enough describes me

Exactly! I always want perfect, but I accept whatever I get. My perfect quilt I made for my Mom, she won't use. The quilts I tell her are flawed, she uses constantly!

I'm learning to keep my expectations high but also learning that the end results will probably never be perfect. I'm doing a Dresden Plate baby quilt for my GD and have finished the top. I mixed cotton with rayon and had problems with the seams matching up. Took it and showed it to my sister and she said that she wouldn't change a thing, so I'm going to start my sandwich soon. I say in this case good enough is good enough.