Yes, I know what you mean. I feel so unskilled when I go to a quilt show. I like the ones that have antique quilts because then I can marvel at the age and skill of women from the past who quilted under less than ideal conditions. I love looking at the quilt shows on this board.

Do not be intimidated by quilt shows. I am sure if you got a really good look at each item, you would find that they are not perfect. Do your very best on your quilts and be happy with the results. Not all of us are quilt show quilters. Went to the quilts at Chautauqua, NYlast weekend. Thouroughly enjoyed it and came away with a few new ideas and no bad thoughts about what I can and cannot do.

One year
 

at our small town quilt show that anyone was invited to enter. There were two quilts entered by an unknown. They were breath taking and I was stunned that they hadn't won a prize. Not even viewers choice.

I have long forgotten the names of the winners, even though they were my friends.


The name of the non-winner was Joan Colvin. It was her first show.

Actually, it inspires me. We are completing thePine Belt Quilters Aibe Art and Quilt Show tomorrow, of which I am a member, and I can't wait to go thru one more time and admire the beautiful 380 entries.

Just went to a quilt show in Des Moines, Iowa. Came away with so much more fabric and patterns. Just wish I had more time to sew. 24 hours a day would be nice. There are so many quilts that are just beautiful but I want my quilts to be used and loved. I make a lot for charity and those quilts on display would not be one of them. I love to go and see all the new things and "love" to buy fabric. I am making an "I Spy Jar Quilt" from Missouri Star Quilt Company tutorial and found so many neat fat quarters for it. I have 8 grandchildren so always busy. I found a pattern for making a doll bed fitted sheet, top sheet, quilt, and pillow to fit on a 28 gallon Sterilte container and can't wait to make it for my granddaughter. Love quilt shows, I go to at least 2 shows a year on bus trips. So much fun.

Perfect is in the eye of beholder..

I must admit I feel humbled when I see what has been made in this last year. But like many of you, I tend to see that it can make me better if I let it. I can look and learn, or I can look and be defeated. I choose to do the first. I have also found that many times you can look at a quilt and think-- what was she thinking! Did it work? What set the best ones apart? Am I inspired by their work? What can I take away?

I went to a quilt show before I started quilting. I almost stopped the quilting thought right there. They all looked so great and perfect! I thought why should I bother for I would never be able to make those " perfect" ones.
I am glad I got over that thought. Mine may never be perfect but it is so much fun. The end result is a quilt with some flaws( I know where they are) and I will improve over time.... Hopefully! ; - )

I enjoy looking at and being inspired by what I see. However, quilting has a place in my life, but it isn't my calling. I don't aspire to be a nationally known quilt artist, I just want to keep improving on what I do. I do enjoy the amazing work I see at shows, or on programs like The Quilt Show. Wow!

It really helped me to know how much time these show quilters spend on their quilts. I dont think I would be able to work on one for 4 years like the Grand Prize winner at Paducah one year. I just enjoy the process and making new and pretty things.

Even the applique pieces are so complex and detailed. I like my simpler applique quilts. Big pieces make for easier stitching. Good thing there is a place for all of us.