|
So young to be so wise - More power to you - your kiddies are lucky to have such a mommy. As an earlier poster said -go forth and quilt!! Took me a long time to decide to do what I enjoy - sometimes it's a challenge, sometimes it's colourful and fun, all the time it's a labour of love.
|
I vividly remember when I turned 30 -- eons ago -- I had ARRIVED -- I thought that no one would be able to boss me around any more and that I was queen of the hill.
I loved being 30 even if all that stuff wasn't real. Do what pleases you as far as quilting goes. There are a lot of quilt snobs as well as all sorts of orther snobs in this world -- Just ignore those unhappy folks |
You are right quilting is personal and as long as I'm happy with it that is all that matters. I have a long arm and usually do meandering and have started making some patterns not perfect but works for me. The great thing about the board is the help. I had a quilt on my long arm and realized the borders were really really wavy asked what to do and in a few minutes some suggestions and now unless you measure it you wouldn't know it isn't square. Just enough what you are doing.
|
I am so thrilled that you have 'found' yourself. Your quilt is just beautiful. I am so sad that I was 50 before I realised that is didn't matter what anyone else thinks. And that is down to the wonderful people on this board!!
|
Good for you! Life is too short to wait for some elses approval. Love what you do :thumbup:
|
Good for you and all of us! I love sharing quilting with beginners and the first thing I stress is not to listen to what others say, enjoy the process, not all will come out the way you want and it's ok to leave "mistakes" alone. The seems to start my friends out on their own jorney with less intimidation. Then I show them my first quilt which to me os ok. They all think it's good and then I point out the mistakes to take out some of the "glow" of being what they see as a really good quilter. It's all about our own personal journey and the dance along the way! Let's keep dancing!
|
Originally Posted by kountrykreation
Originally Posted by LyndaOH
Originally Posted by Holice
I have three rules to good quiltmakeing: Accurate measuring and/or marking; Accurate cutting; Accurate piecing.
Beyond these three it is the quilt makers choise. Also........creativity can be in simple things. It is not always the wowiness of the quilt. I would argue that simplicity and wowiness are not mutually exclusive. |
Pumpkin Patch,
I am so glad that you figured out what was most important in your life. Somehow I figured that out at a young age...(maybe a few tragedies helped me get there). I have never lived to please others.....pretty independent but I do pay a price for being so independent. I am my own person and I quilt for my enjoyment. I LOVE bright colors......not many people do... Glad that you know who you are and what others think is not really what matters. A great feeling, right??? |
Ummm, I think those know it alls were feeling inferior from what I can see, Jealous of your obvious talent as I'm sure many here would agree!
|
You do not stand alone in your convictions. You learned this lesson at a young age. It took me sometime to realize that what I accomplish is ok, and I'm in no competition with anyone else unless I put myself in a competition.
|
Wow, all of you have left such amazing, wonderful comments! I have read each and every one and my smile is so big it hurts my cheeks! ;) It is so nice to know that my feelings resonate with so many people. I'm not a particularly insecure person, but when you're doing something you love like this, and you put it out there for others to see, you become vulnerable. I don't know what it is about turning 30, but as so many of you have mentioned, this sure has been the year where I've found some clarity in regards to what is important, and what is not. We all KNOW what is important...but often times it's very hard to truly LET GO of all that nonsense that holds us back.
I can't thank you enough for all the positive, encouraging comments and stories. There just is just so much negativity out there these days, it feels WONDERFUL to be here and be a part of this little community where people really support each other. :) |
Hi Pumpkin Patch: I am so glad you posted about everything not having to be a master or perfect quilt. I am much older than you and have only learned a few years ago to let go of "perfectionism". It was driving me crazy and I believe that's why I didn't finish things sometimes. Like if I couldn't get it perfect, I would just leave it til later. Now I realize the only time I get close to perfection is when I get down on my knees and pray because the Lord Jesus is the only perfect thing in the universe! When I realized that I was set free in so many ways... thanks for letting me vent also...
|
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 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. ;) |
Good for you. Now quilting will be more fun! :thumbup:
|
Bless your heart! If the shop owner was so perfect, why didn't SHE teach the class? Your quilting must be impressive enough if she asked you to teach. I would say she bears part of the blame if she didn't give you suggestions (Do you have guidelines for what to bring to class? Do you have a handout in case someone falls behind, & needs to finish at home? Do you have contact information if someone needs to get in touch with you?etc.)
Of course, these are only things you find out AFTER you teach & falter.Don't let someone else's criteria determine your path. My job was so stressful that I turned to quilting as an outlet/hobby/avocation. When asked why I would pursue something that required "SO MANY DECISIONS?", my response was that no one would ever be hurt by my choices in quilting. It's not critical -it's a personal expression of creativity. As long as it satisfies that need in me, then it's a success. And, each person has his/her own reason for each quilt. Enjoy yourself & let the criticism roll off your back. It's not brain surgery & it's cheaper than therapy! |
Congratulations on seeing the light. Your best quilts happen when you are happy with what you are doing. The first law of any artist in all its fields [except commercial] is it's up to you to please yourself. Only good things can come when you have the confidence to do what you want.
My quilts are not complicated, but I like what I do and others ask to have one made. We have a half hour talk about what they want and what I can do for them and that my quilt evolve as time goes by. They learn quilt making isn't as easy as going to the store, [I always say they try that first] and in the end they get what we agreed upon and I get paid. Both happy and very little stress. Big hug for your strength of mind. |
amen.quilts are to be used and loved-they can be great without being intricate or perfect.
|
It makes such a difference -- when I worked with ladies in assisted living and nursing homes, a compliment really was so appreciated by them -- a personal pat on the back made a happy day. And I really found that each one had something that I could remark on, -- and it made my day, too.
[quote) Remember to compliment someone everyday on a pretty blouse, a lovely color they're wearing. or an unusual tote. Their smile will make your day. Oh, and theirs too.[/quote] |
Very well said. I too needed everything to be perfect which often led to not wanting to quilt. When I finally realized that it was okay if points did not meet perfectly it was like a weight being lifted off my shoulders. My quilting became more productive which actually led to more practice. Don't they say that practice makes perfect Well I'm still waiting for that perfect:)
|
Originally Posted by Pollyv9
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that we are all artists - and there aren't any mistakes in art. That is according to Sesame Street. If it's good enough for our kids it's good enough for me.
In my opinion, sometimes you want to do a quilt to show off the pattern--sometimes that can get complicated. But simpler quilts can do a much better job of showing off the print--the fabric is the star! However, I must say, all the pics I've seen on here look like beautiful masterpieces to me! |
Those ladies sound like some I used to know. They didn't make quilts. It was alway a wall hanging, a table runner, or a sofa back cover. These ladies got together on weekends and one would cut, another would sew and another would iron. All assembly line fashion. Beautiful work but to me there was always something missing. It think it was individuality. Each and every quilt I have seen here on QB has that. Pumpkinpatch, your quilt is beautiful!
|
amen
|
Congrats! Accepting and loving ones self is the most challenging task to master in any creative endeavour. If I can accept that I'm not perfect then I can cut the rest of the world some slack too. Do I wish to enjoy my hobby or for it to be the cause of my stroke or heart attack. We tend to all be very sensitive when we are artistic becasue we think out of the box and people that never deviate from the pattern, or make small changes, don't understand how we function. Many artist never show their work until after they're dead because they can't deal with anyone critiquing their work. I have a son like that. You are so far ahead in your life by being able to be who you are and love yourself just as you are. You GO GIRL and don't ever go back to trying to be what y ou thinks others want you to be. {{{HUGS}}} and happy creativing always. :thumbup:
|
Good for you. Now you can relax and have FUN with our passion! We tend to be our biggest critics, and the sooner we learn the lesson you just voiced extremely well, the better!
|
I always am amazed at the quilt winners in the shows but I quilt to make people happy so while there may be an award in the future, I am just as happy with getting smiles and hugs.
|
I quilt because I love doing it regardless of what people say. I'm the one who have very happy grandkids with the quilt I made for them. The love and smile on their little faces is truly priceless.
|
Originally Posted by PegD
I agree. I see all the wonderful longarm quilting on here, and think I should be able to do that on mine, but all I can really do is stippling. It holds the quilt together, so I guess that is the point.
|
After quilting for so long, I'm fairly accomplished. But my knowledge is for sharing and encouraging other people to express themselves. Its a huge compliment when someone brings me a project gone wrong and asks for help. Its a case of paying it forward from all the warm and friendly quilters who taught this baby quilter.
Everyone should learn this lesson. |
Originally Posted by Pollyv9
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that we are all artists - and there aren't any mistakes in art. That is according to Sesame Street. If it's good enough for our kids it's good enough for me.
If quilting is all about "one-up-manship" count me out.....I do this for me.....and if others are too enmeshed in themselves to not applaud me, even with my "mis-matched" points...then forget them...life is just tooooo dog-gone short.....and I have better things to do with my time than worry about them.... Way to go, pumpkinpatch, you keep going forward....and you will find that all your quilts are full of "wowiness" (love that word!) because they are an expression of you.... and that is wowy enough!!!!!!!! |
You said it, sister!
When I was younger I dreamed of going to art school, too; but I am practical, and I knew there were a million other artists out there with even more talent; and I didn't want to be a starving artist. I've been happy trying my hand at almost any craft out there; and am totally addicted to quilting. As you say, life gets in the way. The economy and certain unfortunate circumstances have kept me on a limited craft budget, but I can still manage to complete the occasional project. I hope to see more of your posts on this board -- I like your attitude! |
thanks for the post I am just learning quilting alto I am a Sr. citizen and have been checking a lot of the viedos and quilting on line and have almost thought of giving it up because I do not think I will every sew a perfect 1/4 inch seam have crocheted for years like it too but have decide to try to make 3 quits for my grown children for xmas so glad to ear I am not the only one who feels ths way so am going to still try to learn all i can but will use common sence and do it the best way i can and when we do that if not perfect will be as near as possible for us
|
Love this web site. I've learned so much from all you gals. Just hang in there and enjoy what you are doing. Enjoy!!!
|
your very words encompass the reason i love this board. all the board members encourage each other to do what looks/feels best for them. all posted photos receive compliments about the time invested in and significance of the piece. i love it when i read a post that expresses disappointment with an "error," and the replies remind the person who posted that nothing is perfect, errors put our unique touch on a piece, and we should relax and enjoy what we do. other people's expectations should not impact our creativity and skills.
|
People quilt for different reasons - just like people play sports for different reasons. Some of us are Olympians and some of us just want to get in a little relaxing exercise on the weekends. :o)
There is a place for each of us. Enjoy your place in the quilt world. |
I quilt to please myself. Sometimes I do harder things, sometimes I do simple things. Sometimes it is for a quilt, sometimes it is for therapy. Sometimes I know something has not really gone right, but I just want to FINISH it to get it off my list.... Right now I am trying to do something with a project that is just that.... Did not work out exactly as I had planned, but I will try to finish it into something.... Sometimes I do something just because it it out of my comfort zone, different, or a technique I am not great at.... Sometimes I just want to do a lasagna or a turning twenty. Aren't we all lucky that we have something like this that we love to do and a group of wonderful people to share it with!
|
Like your attitude!!
|
Originally Posted by MissQuilter
I quilt to please myself. Sometimes I do harder things, sometimes I do simple things. Sometimes it is for a quilt, sometimes it is for therapy. Sometimes I know something has not really gone right, but I just want to FINISH it to get it off my list.... Right now I am trying to do something with a project that is just that.... Did not work out exactly as I had planned, but I will try to finish it into something.... Sometimes I do something just because it it out of my comfort zone, different, or a technique I am not great at.... Sometimes I just want to do a lasagna or a turning twenty. Aren't we all lucky that we have something like this that we love to do and a group of wonderful people to share it with!
:P :P |
sorry to say but there are people that always have to nit pick about things on your quilting gift to them. sad that they feel so perfect that they see the faults of others.
Venting helps but that nit picker will never get another sewing gift from me. my children and grand babies love them, so they get the soul warming gifts.. I will keep on quilting it is such a rewarding peaceful hobbie for me. If you enjoy it do it.. |
I was at a quilt show in Tombstone, AZ about 3 years ago and one of the ladies said to me that if you can't see it from atop a running horse, it doesn't matter. I am way older than you but I was still at the stage where corners mattered and it better be darn perfect. Well, now 3 years down the road, I see the wisdom in that quilter from Tombstone.
|
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:00 AM. |