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Be true to yourself. If your avatar is an example of the quilts you make you are truely an artist.
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Amen to this sister. I never quilt by someone elses standards. Everyone loves my quilts when they recieve them and they want more. God gave you the ablity to do what you do so enjoy and quit listening to the "quilt police"
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I totally agree with you. I love doing my own thing and if someone likes it - great and if they don't- oh well. I feel the same about a lot of things in life like that. We spend way too way time trying to keep up with the Jones' or trying to be perfect. Every time I make something I have a learning experience. Do your own thing!
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I agree I am a person who feels the same way. Sometimes I feel like I will never measure up to some of these quilters. They have a special gift. I always tell myself that if I wanted to do that kind of quilting I could do it. It turns out I am just happy with what I do. That is the important part. Just do your thing and enjoy.
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I think I have learned that the harshest critic of my work is me. Not once, when I have given a quilt, has someone looked it over and said "Gee, your points don't match here" or "Isn't this just a little wonky?" Mostly what I hear is "Oh my gosh! You made this for ME? I can't believe you did this" or "I don't know how you make these beautiful quilts" And mine are NOT masterpieces, by any stretch of the imagination. When I make them as gifts, I just put my heart and soul into them, knowing that it's a labor of love. (Quilt police notwithstanding)
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Enjoy the "art." And there are no mistakes in true art. Good for you - let them go on their way.
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I agree with everything you said. For me, I learned early the only quilt police I intend to listen to are the four legged furry kind! Virg
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Here's to you, pumpkinpatch{{{hug}}} You have learned a valuable life lesson and I say - go for your own style. Your style is an inspiration to each of us.
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Absolutely right! I love the process and lots of the quilts I make are pretty utilitarian, pretty ordinary. In fact, I don't think I've every made anything I would remotely class as a masterpiece but I still love to quilt and still admire people who have the gift, time and commitment to perfection to create those perfect, show-quality quilts. Like you, I just don't feel the need to be that way anymore.
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Well, said Pumpkin Patch. I am right there with you! The person that treated you rudely has problems and was mean to you - that makes anybody feel bad! I feel the same way you do about quilting. Personally, I wish I could do better - and I am a lot older than you - I keep on going and try my best, and I feel good about it. At least I am not giving up. I give myself a hard time and don't give myself enough credit, I am told. The point is: we are all quilters and enjoy what we do and do the best we can. Thank you for sharing.
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I am so glad that I came here this morning and read your post.
I so so agree with you,even though it took me many more years to figure it out. You ---and all you other ladies---have just made my day...............now I will go ,grab the scissors and try to make a scalloped border on my tabletopper.( I have always been afraid to try it). Thank you . |
So sorry that you are surrounded by so many strongly opinionated "mentors". Good for you to just enjoy your craft. I am very fortunate to have many helpful quilting friends who always encourage and sometimes suggest an alternative way but who ultimately always say "...but it's your quilt so do what makes you happy". Words to live by :)
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Sometimes I just need a blanket for guest. Sometimes I just want a quilt to practice using my LA quilter. I've learned to relax too.
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I have to tell a little story, has nothing to do with quilts, but on progress of another art. Crocheting. My grandmother had taught me basic. Single and Dbl. I got to the point, I was teaching myself harder stitches. Popcorn to be exact. I got some really pretty peach wool and was making my mother a sweater for mothers day. It turned out beautiful, but one arm was longer then the other. My mother wore it. Rolled/pulled up the arms a bit. Could not tell one was longer and wore it with pride. I said mom you are so fussy with your dressing, why wear this sweater?? She said it was made by you, it's beautiful, I love the color. Boy was I so proud
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I have been quilting sence the early 60s, My quilts are made with love,no need for blood, sweat, and tears. If it ever becomes a chore I'll quilt no more. The qp do not reside here.
quilt because you love it and let your creative juices flow. |
I totally agree. I have never tried for my quilts to be perfect. I figure it this way, I sew for a stress relief not to add more. And honestly one of my favorite quilts I made, has 6" sashing because when I tried to trim the blocks none of them matched. And honestly every time I look at that quilt I smile. My theory is if more that three corners match on a block, I'm trying to show off. LOL
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I started quilting about 7 years ago (I'm 72). I don't quilt the most ornate quilts. There are many techniques that I have not tried. I make quilts for my family and friends and they seem to love them. I think there is a lot of pressure to always do something more difficult and I think it creates a lot of insecurity with us.
When I make a quilt, I take into consideration who I am making it for, try to pick fabrics that fit what they want, but I am content to make a simple quilt for them and they seem to enjoy them. Especially the baby and children's quilts. The kids love them. My quilting is for me as well as for those I give them to. I don't always want to be frustrated because I can't do something to someone else's expectations. I want it to be relaxing and enjoyable to me. I do take classes and I have made some rather difficult quilts and wall hangings. I also do my best, but these difficult ones weren't my most relaxing and enjoyable times. So - sit back, relax, enjoy your quilting. When we quit enjoying what we are doing, we usually end up quitting. |
I don't worry about whether anyone else likes what I'm doing, as long as I do. The overall result is what counts. So far everything I've done has been liked by everyone. I'm an old fashioned quilter and don't do the machines and use regular patterns, don't do the fancy stuff, but I love quilting and that's what matters!
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Very true. Sometimes I will enter a quilt in a local quilt show just to show it off, not to win anything.
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Your new attitude is terrific PumpkinPatch! No use trying to quilt for the quilt police or the meanie-mean-pants crowd. Quilt for your own creative fulfillment and for people you love! And you know what? Some the most innovative and stunning quilts are made by THE RULE BREAKERS! Here's to the new freedom found for your artistic soul! :thumbup:
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What a Lovely story. My mother, who taught me to piece and quilt a quilt was a perfectionist. I would quilt and she would come along behind me, remove my stitching and make me do it over. If it wasn't up to her standards, she again would remove the stitching but then, she would do the stitching to replace my 2nd try with her own. Mine wen't bad, just a little longer than hers. Yes, it can be very intimidating.I laid my quilt making aside until my oldest son got married. I made his soon to be bride one for her shower gift and have been making quilts ever since. That was 30 years ago and can't really count how many I have made since. The one thing I do remember is making over 200 small quilts, single bed quilts in two years. No, I didn't sell them, I donated them to a local Veteran's hospital.
My son tells me I am an artist personified, what ever than means. Should get out my old trustee dictionary. Never tought of it as any big deal. |
My approach to quilts is that it must be foremost functional. I hope to hand down memories and warm hugs.
My mom had so many nice things to "save for good" that they were never used and no one in the family has a connection with them. They're just things that I'm moving on. |
I quilt because it pleases ME, gives me joy and makes me happy. Will stop when all of this stops.
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I couldn't agree more! I just finished a New York Beauty (88" x 96") because I wanted a challenge and wanted to "prove" myself. Well, it's done (pictures to come, eventually), but I'm not sure it's any more satisfying than many of the simpler quilts I've done. Sure, it may be a work of art, but from what I"ve heard, the average non-quilter certainly doesn't think it's any better--and it took me eight months to finish!
I also read a thread on here recently that basically trashed smokers and the "stink" on the fabric. I'm not proud of it, but I'm a smoker. Yet, I've never had a recipient of any of my quilts be moved to anything less than tears by my gift of a quilt. Perhaps the smell bothers them and they just don't say anything, but from the prominent display and use of the quilts I think this is unlikely. What I'm getting at is that I have to remember that I quilt because I love to quilt. I don't need to do it for anyone else's approval, or to prove myself to anyone. The day I start doing that it becomes a job, and the fun is gone. So, keep taking the challenges if you love a challenge, but once in a while do something simple with pretty fabric just because you can! |
Yes yes I totally agree!! I think when you hit 30 you suddenly get smarter! Good for you and ENJOY quilting, I do and I do my best but I'm never going to be a pro!!
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Every quilt is a masterpiece!! You made it, so that makes it a masterpiece in your eyes, and don't let anyone tell us different.
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I love this discussion line! I quilt for myself also. It takes me away like nothing else seems to! I buy mostly fqs & enjoy creating colorful quilts we them. This I do for me, doesn't matter if others like, or not, but most I show do. I think any challenge, or wanting to try anything new, should come from within, not from outside pressure. I was raised by a control freak, perfectionist mother, although she wasn't in her personal life, she just did it for show. So I still work on getting past this too & not letting what others say or think, really matter. I don't quilt to please them, I quilt for my own inner peace & happiness. Not as a job either, or I would quit for sure! Just follow your heart & quilt for the love of it, & always, enjoy the journey!....I love your avitar quilt too, it's beautiful, great job!....
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Totally agree. Quilting is for, not to please everyone else.
mltquilt |
WOW - you've made my day! I just became a member of this board, and was lamenting that my work isn't perfect. I have only quilted for about a year.... Learning so much, and enjoying it.
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Originally Posted by pumpkinpatchquilter
This is the lesson I am slowly learning. I have been quilting for 6 years, and as a new quilter I surrounded myself with some of THE most knowledgeable, and intimidating quilters in the area. I was 24 years old, green and new to the quilting world when I began. As I progressed I felt like I had to do BIGGER, BETTER, and GREATER to be taken even a little bit seriously by these women who were much older than me and knew what seemed to be SO very much more than me about quilting. If I wasn't getting snubbed for my age I was getting snubbed for my skill level. I am an artist at heart, all I wanted for years when I was young was to go to art school. That unfortunately never happened for me as I started a family early, and many of you know just how hard it is to go back to school with small children. But it was a blessing, truly, because my family is my world, and making a quilt for my daughter was what brought me to find my life's passion in quilting. All of this combined with a really awful experience with a quilt shop owner who hired me to teach a class but then treated me so rudely as if I didn't know a darn thing I was talking about has left me with this need to prove myself artistically and I feel like for the past several years I've been on this personal MISSION to prove to anybody and EVERYBODY that I am capapble, I am skilled, and gosh darnit, I'm artistic!!!
You know what? I refuse to live with that insecurity any longer, I know who I am and what I can do. Here I am. I am 30 years old, I'm a Mother first and foremost, second a wife, and third I'm a dedicated quilter. I have finally learned that FOR ME, every quilt doesn't need to be a masterpiece. Every quilt that I create does not have to knock everybody's socks off, and it doesn't have to encase all the techniques I have learned in the past 6 years to PROVE that I am a capable quilter. That is not to say I don't do the best I can with every quilt, but a corner that doesn't match perfectly doesn't always need to be ripped and resewn. Every project doesn't need to be the hardest and most complicated project I've ever done. I adore challenging projects but a simple nine patch quilt can be just as satisfying to complete as the most complicated paper pieced mariners compass. Thanks for the vent. Just thought I'd share that little revelation, because I know I'm not the only one who feels like they need to prove themselves to the local quilting veterans. ;) |
You are an inspiration! I am glad that you have moved on from the critical people. I love that people here are at all levels and so willing to share. Happy quilting!
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Way to go girl! So glad you are you! Lucky you for having learned what so many people never learn in an entire lifetime.
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woo-hoo, your thoughts are exactly mine and I have learned this is about fun, enjoyment and pride in my skill level - I am a newbie (less than 1 year) but being perfect was my goal for everything and crafts was no different. So glad you got past your road blocks and are ready to let your hair blow in the wind!
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HI, JUST TO ADD A NOTE TO ALL OF THE WONDERFUL COMMENTS......FIRST OF ALL "TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WANT TO BE TREATED IN ALL THINGS." THEN..............YOU PLEASE YOURSELF, QUILT LIKE YOU WANT TO QUILT, QUILT FOR YOU,THAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!PEACE
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I am 58 and new to quilting AND I needed to hear (read) that. Thank you soo much for sharing! I tend to be a perfectionist and expect my 3 (LOL) quilts to be just smashing and I end up sweating over everything. Although they have turned out well, I want to enjoy making the next 17 (for my grandchildren). Cudoos to you!
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I received this in an email yesterday:
If you are NOT being treated with love and respect, check your price tag. Perhaps You have marked Yourself down. It's YOU who tells people what you are worth by what YOU accept. Get off the clearance rack and get behind the glass where the valuables are kept! Learn to value YOURSELF more! If you don't, no one else will! |
Originally Posted by pumpkinpatchquilter
This is the lesson I am slowly learning. I have been quilting for 6 years, and as a new quilter I surrounded myself with some of THE most knowledgeable, and intimidating quilters in the area. I was 24 years old, green and new to the quilting world when I began. As I progressed I felt like I had to do BIGGER, BETTER, and GREATER to be taken even a little bit seriously by these women who were much older than me and knew what seemed to be SO very much more than me about quilting. If I wasn't getting snubbed for my age I was getting snubbed for my skill level. I am an artist at heart, all I wanted for years when I was young was to go to art school. That unfortunately never happened for me as I started a family early, and many of you know just how hard it is to go back to school with small children. But it was a blessing, truly, because my family is my world, and making a quilt for my daughter was what brought me to find my life's passion in quilting. All of this combined with a really awful experience with a quilt shop owner who hired me to teach a class but then treated me so rudely as if I didn't know a darn thing I was talking about has left me with this need to prove myself artistically and I feel like for the past several years I've been on this personal MISSION to prove to anybody and EVERYBODY that I am capapble, I am skilled, and gosh darnit, I'm artistic!!!
You know what? I refuse to live with that insecurity any longer, I know who I am and what I can do. Here I am. I am 30 years old, I'm a Mother first and foremost, second a wife, and third I'm a dedicated quilter. I have finally learned that FOR ME, every quilt doesn't need to be a masterpiece. Every quilt that I create does not have to knock everybody's socks off, and it doesn't have to encase all the techniques I have learned in the past 6 years to PROVE that I am a capable quilter. That is not to say I don't do the best I can with every quilt, but a corner that doesn't match perfectly doesn't always need to be ripped and resewn. Every project doesn't need to be the hardest and most complicated project I've ever done. I adore challenging projects but a simple nine patch quilt can be just as satisfying to complete as the most complicated paper pieced mariners compass. Thanks for the vent. Just thought I'd share that little revelation, because I know I'm not the only one who feels like they need to prove themselves to the local quilting veterans. ;) |
Originally Posted by mshollysd
Pumpkin Patch, I have been quilting for over 35 years and I am just like you. One day I figured out that the quilting police is not coming over to arrest me because one of my corners isn't perfect. Even on my avatar, that quilt was painted with fabric paint, not embroidered. You would have thought I had committed a crime. So I salute you!!!! You figured out something that I didn't for 30 years. Go for it and I am proud of you!!!
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You sound like a person I'd like to know and quilt with. Your work and colors are so beautiful!!! That is the most beautiful design I've seen in a long time. Thank you for sharing it. Keep up the good work and forget all about the quilting police, they don't exist!
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I imagine that at one time or another, in a large or small way, each one of us has been our own "quilt policer". I did when I first started quilting, but am happy to say I have kicked it out.
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