I've enjoyed this thread and I've learned that it's really hard to compare because of the different methods and complexity of the process. I'm brand new at this and slower than a snail, but I enjoy learning. I get pleasure in losing myself in applying and perfecting the techniques all of you have so generously shared. I'm not going to be fast, but I don't want to drag it out either. I am glad for the many fast quilters who are able to give to charities and make so many others happy.

I agree with you - what is the rush - are they obsessive? But I have also seen some of them and they were nothing to brag on. It's one thing to throw some stuff together, quilt in the ditch and call it a quilt - and it's another thing to create a thing of beauty that your heart loves (and everyone else)

I'm exhausted just reading this. I started quilting in 1996 and I haven't made a total of 20 quilts let alone 50. I have been working almost exclusively on a quilt for 2-1/2 years. Hopefully, I'll finish it by Sept. Every thing is done by hand with the exception of adding the borders by machine. I spent weeks researching and designing the quilt; I didn't count the hours spent on appliqueing, but I did on the hand embroidery -- over 600 hours. Then the hand quilting has taken so far over a year. That includes trapunto, cording, and 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch quilting grids. The quilt measures approximately 90 x 90. I must admit that I'm ready to move on to another project. But, even if I machine piece a top it takes me weeks to complete it. And the two quilts I've tried to machine quilt (cross hatching) it has taken me at least a couple of weeks to do. I'm scratching my head when some say they can piece a quilt in a weekend. I am really SLOW.

Be very careful before judging other's and their quilts. It is possible to produce many works of art. Some of us work faster and enjoy every minute we spend. Just because we put the quilt together in a weekend does not mean that we did not make something beautiful. All of the quilts that I have made as gifts for people or made to be auctioned off for charity or fund raising have been beautiful and very much loved. Obviously they are not hand appliqued or hand quilted but I quilt all my own work. Most of them are FMQ'd on my domestic Bernina. I do not judge those of you that work slower, don't assume that just because we can make many quilts that they are not quality or beautiful or loved

I don't know. Skill levels and ability come into play. Not everyone can do feathers and such, but does that mean their work does not come from the heart?

Thank you gayle........I was trying to calm down and just couldnt respond so eloquently. I wholeheartedly agree. No matter what pattern is used, how long it took to put together or what quilting was done on the quilt. It doesnt change the fact that someone put love, time and effort into it.

Alot of responses on this thread have really bothered me, it is almost like anyone who uses a machine to sew or quilt, or if they can put things together fast...then they are not as well done or loved. The amount of beauty and love in a piece of hand crafted art is NOT dependent on the time, effort or skill put into that item. It is the love of the artist.

dont believe i have ever done 50 in one year but I know i once did 12 queen size and as many crib size ones one year due to my prolific relatives. i hand quilt all my quilts. I made a queen size trip around the World quilt in two weeks once. I actually made more quilts in a year while working full time (or one ft and one 1/2 time job both at same time), raised 5 kids, and kept house then i do now that kids are grown and i've retired.
i see articles in quilt magazines where they will say that someone has made so many quilts in a year and when you read further find they either only designed them and had their staff actually make them or the quilts they have made are barely 2 ft square. they still count as quilts but do wish they would be more accurate in presentation of the information---more like made this mny queen, this many twin, this many crib,etc... then people wouldnt be wondering how it was done. i dont even count the tops i make for the church group in my personal count for the year as they are tie-knotted and not quilted.

edit-never mind. I can't believe someone actually said that but I'm going to keep quiet.

I started quilting about 4 1/2 to 5 years ago. I made a beautiful, king size quilt called Stars, Crosses, and Crowns and some of the blocks had 70+ pieces to them. It took me 2 years to make. Since then, I have made 3 charity quilts about 54 x 54 each. I have made 3 wall hangings or art quilts. I have lots of WIPs and UFOs but could never do 50 in a year or probably 5 years. First of all, I wouldn't be able to afford to do them nor have that much energy to do them. I get tired after a couple of hours of sewing. Also, have lots of outside activities, and groups I attend. I admire anyone who can make that many quilts and wish I could do that but know it's not possible for me. I sort of work slowly and have had a problem with perfectionism in the past and try very hard to be that way now but find it sort of creeps in when I'm not paying attention! I love quilting and appreciate other's work... enjoy the journey, adventure along the way...

I used to make more quilts than I do now. I don't know that I have ever made 50 quilts in a year.....I think those who do, are often making simple quilts, probably small quilts, not bed quilts. Since I have started applique--I think I make maybe 1 applique in a year, I have stitched up pre-cut quilts for charity quilts for my guild. I tend to think that as we grow older we don't have such a need to produce the quantity of quilts that we did when we were younger (and had a younger family, and more energy!). I think some of my better quilts have come when I am not in a hurry.