I'm sorry...I am in a really sensitive mood today and it might be my mood talking, but I just really need to post this.
Several times in my wanderings through the posts since I've joined this forum, I see it repeated and repeated..."There are no quilt police here...", but then I'll see posts where someone will say "well, her piecing/quilting/cutting/sewing/etc wasn't perfect, but..." and it really bothers me.
I really feel that we all have strengths and weaknesses in our crafts. There is not one single person on this forum or anywhere else that produces "Perfect" piecing or quilting or anything. There will inherently be flaws of some kind in anything produced by a human hand...and thank goodness for that! Many times what looks good to one person's eye is not attractive to another's eye...and thank goodness for that too! The flaws in a quilt often times give it character and a story. It is unneccesary to point out something you consider a flaw, and personally, I think it's not nice.
So, to step off my soapbox and apologise for my cranky mood...Please, when you post something that was cut/pieced/quilted or just plain crafted by someone other than yourself, before you press "send" please consider what that person would think if they could read your comments and don't point out flaws. Of course it's not perfect, but it was done by someone's hand, heart and mind and it's beautiful!
:)

Good attitide! I like what you say.

I'm sorry you have seen criticisms in some of the posts on this board. All in all I think we do a good job in celebrating each others work.
Many of us try new techniques and ask for critiques from more experienced quilters. I have offered advice on PP and I hope my advice was interpreted as constructive and not hurtful. I think I speak for many when I say that I have learned a tremendous amount from many on this board and have offered what little "expertise" that I have.
If you personally have been criticised by anyone I am sorry that you have been hurt.
We are a great group of quilters and your post reminds all of us to be kind and helpful so our words are ones of encouragement. Please stick with us...everyone here has something to offer. :D

No, this is not what I meant. This board is fantastic for encouraging people in thier talents. I have asked advice myself and eagerly await what people have to say.
What I mean is when someone is commenting on a piece they have inherited, or have worked on from someone else, etc. Sometimes they will make a comment about the original crafters work. THAT is what bothers me. When someone ASKS for critism or opinions, that is fine. As I said, I have done that, and I have offered my opinions too. It is when the individual crafter is not present or has not posted thier own work, someone else posts it and critisizes, that's when it bothers me.
Otherwise, everyone is fantabulous and I love this board!

I think that sometimes things I say I mean one way and someone could take it entirely different. It was kind of like my husband when he was preaching every sunday and on saturday nighy when he was getting ready for the next day, and he wouldn't be happy wwith his sermon, and guess what? three people would tell him on the way out of church, Oh, Pastor that sermon today was wonderful, it was meant just for me. So what I am saying, we don't all hear or read the way somethings are written or spoken. maybe.

I hope that if I say anything hurtful someone would point it out to me. I visit this board to learn and admire and dream of the day when I can make something as well as some I've seen on this board. I have seen some hurtful statements--today in fact, but it's just someone elses opinion not shared by anyone else and I believe that sometimes it's because people don't really know how to write tactfully! Follow the old saying..."sticks and stones..."

I really think when such a comment is made about something, say that someone inherited or was done years ago, it's not a reflection on the person's sewing as much as a reflection on the changes that have been made in equipment to make it easier for the things that we made today to be much more "perfect" than something we made years ago. I know when I started quilting, our pieces were cut with scissors. There were no rotary cutters and rules and commercially made templates to make the pieces all be pretty much identical. I did not have a 1/4" foot for my sewing machine. My mother did not have 1/4" tape so that her hand stitching was exact. We are so lucky today to have the equipment that we have to made quilting so much easier and our end product so much better.

I really don't think anyone on this board would intentionally put down anyone else's work when they know how much thought and effort went into it, even if it didn't end up as well done as what can be done today.

I think that most of the time, when someone says that another's work was less than perfect, they are really reassuring themselves out loud that they are doing OK. I think that we see so many beautiful things on this board, in magazines, and at guild meetings that we all have moments when we feel like we don't quite belong and that we are quilting imposters.

When I admire the beautiful quilts on the board, I can't see any mistakes and they look perfect and amazing to me. When I look at my own quilts, I can see every point that isn't perfect and I'm not amazed because I am too familiar with it. It's hard not to compare yourself sometimes - we all have those moments.

I don't think anyone of us would intentionally devalue the work someone put into a quilt - we know what goes into them.

If you're talking about some of my recent posts where I've finished off other people's projects and commented that they weren't perfect...well, maybe eat a cookie. I think you're being way too critical.

If I have a critical thought about a post....I don't post it. I keep the negativity to myself!!! Some things are better left unsaid!

Candace,

I think RatherB has the right to express her opinion. She did not single anyone out and I don't think it was necessary to respond harshly. Just my opinion....

If she has a right to express her opinion. SO DO I.

I think when they say that it is a very nice way of saying "I had to fix so many problems that I nearly puked" but I pulled the hat trick out of my.......

If you have ever fixed somebody's quagmire and made it look decent, then you understand their comment which is simply stating that it took three times as much time and effort as the project looks like it should have.

I will send a PM to someone if they have ASKED for comments and I think I can offer a suggestion that is MEANT to be helpful - and it could be interpreted as being critical.

There is tremendous variation in the workmanship of the old quilts. Some are very close to "perfect" - others look like they are done by a five year old just learning to sew and are still learning how to cut properly - although I suspect that many five-year-olds way back when were fairly good little stitchers - just look at some of the samplers that were made.

If an item looks like it was made for "utility" - well, that's what it is.

If someone is making an effort to repair/rescue an old quilt that is "so-so" - I think that person is respecting the quilt and maker, too.

I just try to think that everyone is being positive and not critical, that perhaps it just didn't come through right when typed and I hope that everyone will give me the same consideration. Thank you for your post, it will help us all make sure that we think our posts through a bit more. Personally I would never mean to offend. I might have though, when I posted pictures of some very damaged quilts earlier today.

You know I really do wish I had kept the very first shirt that I made for my hubby. Just so I could compare the quality of my work then to the shirts I make for him now.

Equipment does indeed make an immense difference in the finished product. As does experience. You can't get experience without practice. Opinions of experienced quilters can be a valued resource in the learning aspect, that is if one wants to excel and improve upon their abilities. I think it is fantastic to have such a wonderful group of quilters here than are so willing to help one another. Not all of us have the opportunity to take classes or meet with others who quilt to learn from.

I am not aware of anyone here than has ever intentionally been negative toward anyone's work. Perhaps I missed something. Tossing ideas out there that might enhance the next quilt project, does not necessarily indicate negativity toward any one project.

I tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist, but my hubby is far more so than I. If what I have made was done to the best of my ability, then I'm happy. I know that I will do better each time. I don't always appreciate hubby pointing things out to me that he would have or would do differently.
I have started listening to him though, if nothing else just so he feels a part of what I am doing. In doing so, I've found that sometimes the end result was better for having listened to him. We just think differently and that's okay. Sharing ideas is what it's all about right?

directed to nobody in particular: lol! don't kid yourself. There are always quilt police ;-)

Who cares?! I don't. Be happy, and sew to your heart's content.

Quilt police are like telemarketers and door to door salesmen - you can choose to engage with them - or hang up on them, or don't answer the door!

the so called "quilt police" get a bad rap. I observe that anyone who expresses a contrary or critical opinion are called "quilt police" Let me say it this way. Someone asked for advice about a situation that didn't work for them - points not matching, seams not meeting, puckering and bowing in the center of blocks, etc etc etc. Very little information is given about the situation on which an informed opinion or advice can be given. So we all fish around trying to get the specific info to give an informed answer. During this fishing spectulations are voiced and then finally someone says, perhaps in a kind way, "either your cutting or piecing was not correct". I inwardly resent being called the "quilt police" if I am giving my best guess about what caused the ultimate problem. Guess the alternate is to just keep quiet and allow the one posting to continue to do bad work (is this again the quilt police talking - to use the words "bad work"). I have learned in my own work that those things necessary to less frustrating quilting and more satisfying results is to:
Read the directions carefully.
Search for basic instructions, if you don't know how,
Develop good practices to cut and piece accurately.
Measure during the process to assure accuracy of finished product.
.....and when asking questions to give all the pertinent information. A statement like "my walking foot doesn't work, what am I doing wrong" just doesn't give sufficient information to suggest correction.
Now I am stepping off my soap box.

:) I am in a much better mood today and just want to thank everyone for thier opinions. I am really glad that this board is made up of so many different people, thought processes and personalities. I did say that what wasn't attractive to one persons eye might be beautiful to anothers, that goes for opinions too. Everyone is entitled to thier opinion and I am glad that they choose to share and that we are all receptive to what one another has to say. My post might not have agreed with everyone, and thier comments might have done the same, but in the grand scheme of things, does it really matter? It still serves to help us get to know one another and respect each other as individuals. No, I wasn't singling anyone out. It was a general cranky post. But, at the same time, I needed to say my piece and now I feel better. I hope that this can serve as a little "board therapy" for others as well.
So, with a big smile, I shake my head and say
HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY EVERYONE! The sun is shining, the birds are singing and it's beautiful!
LOL
Thanks everyone for being you! *grins and begins her day*

I actually caught myself doing just this a month or so ago. I bought a couple vintage quilts and that night was commenting to my husband about the quality of work in one. I made a negative comment but then had to stop and think and realize that if I were to try and construct this quilt in the same fashion the original quilter did (all by hand), my finished product would not be as nice. So I stuck my foot in my mouth and silently told the quilter I was sorry.

We all have our moments but I try and go by the old saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." :)

That was sweet of you to apologize :) I bet SHE heard!
Old sayings are still pertinent today aren't they!

I'm thinking when they say something like that they aren't criticizing the work - merely stating a fact and letting us know what they had to work with.

I commented on the photos you posted and there was nothing negative that I remember. Have fun with those oldies, but goodies!

I really don't think I have every seen a negative comment on someones quilt???? I do know I skim alot of posts but why would anyone do that????

Do you remember the song that Dolly Partin sang many years ago about the coat of many colors?

Here are the words to it and I hope we can learn something from this song.

Back through the years
I go wonderin once again
Back to the seasons of my youth
I recall a box of rags that someone gave us
And how my momma put the rags to use
There were rags of many colors
Every piece was small
And I didn't have a coat
And it was way down in the fall
Momma sewed the rags together
Sewin every piece with love
She made my coat of many colors
That I was so proud of
As she sewed, she told a story
From the bible, she had read
About a coat of many colors
Joseph wore and then she said
Perhaps this coat will bring you
Good luck and happiness
And I just couldnt wait to wear it
And momma blessed it with a kiss
Chorus:

My coat of many colors
That my momma made for me
Made only from rags
But I wore it so proudly
Although we had no money
I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me

So with patches on my britches
Holes in both my shoes
In my coat of many colors
I hurried off to school
Just to find the others laughing
And making fun of me
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me

And oh I couldnt understand it
For I felt I was rich
And I told them of the love
My momma sewed in every stitch
And I told em all the story
Momma told me while she sewed
And how my coat of many colors
Was worth more than all their clothes

But they didn't understand it
And I tried to make them see
That one is only poor
Only if they choose to be
Now I know we had no money
But I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me
Made just for me

I love the quiltingboard. There are thousands of us with knowledge and skills shared daily. I have learned so much and look forward to continue learning from all of you.
I think this is a good post and an opportunity to remind us THE WHOLE WORLD is reading what we write.
When I write something 'you' can't see me or hear me.
It is left up to me to say what I want you to know in a way that you know I am laughing at your funny joke, admiring your work or wishing I had been sitting by the person who made that quilt 80 years ago so I could have watched and learned.
I might not always do a good job of that but with each post I make, I do try to.

I have been shocked and embarrassed (for all of us) at some of the bickering I have read in some of the posts. We are not children and should respect each other. I might not agree with something but I shouldn't feel free to slam the writer. Who am I to do that and what gives me the right?

Respectfully, with warm regards,
Dorothy

I have posted a lot on this board, and have never received what I thought was a negative comment. And when I ask for help, it is always there, and always constructive and encouraging. And when I answer a post , i try to do the same things. Just haven't read a lot of negatives on here.

I guess, I don't try to take the negative, but the constructive out of other's posts. I KNOW that I need improvement, so anything that I can learn from all the others on this board, I appreciate. I try and remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I would like to say I haven't taken any posts as an attack on my work, and hope that I haven't said anything that can be construed as an attack on anyone's work.

many times i think that the critical comments on peoples work are more helpful than hurtful. mostly because one can't improve with flattery. I also don't think that people are making comments to be mean but helpful.
From personal experience, my mom is very emotional since hitting menopause, I have to keep reminding her that she needs to check her hormone levels and if they are right and she still feels the comments made by people are horrible, I tell her to talk to them on the side and fix the situation. I have to remind my self of this. Since having kids, my emotions are all messed up. my hubby can very nicely say that he didn't like dinner and I sometimes take it as I am a horrible wife, why can't I learn to cook, clean and take care of the children. But I then realize that he is not being me about me but just that his pallet is not like mine. The same can be said about our quilting. I just finished quilting together a quilt and I am about to go and rip it all apart because I know that if anyone ever saw it they would slap me silly. I will make a post of it before I do the ripping so that everyone can tell me what I did wrong.
And we must remember that if we take offense at something said then we must remember that we are giving offense also. hope this all makes since to everyone.

And then there are the people who quite honestly want to have their work critiqued by more experienced people. How many times have I read "Please be honest and tell me what you think" and all the posts are so sugary sweet and positive. Why bother?

When I post something I WANT to hear the good with the bad. How am I every going to grow as a quilter if I don't hear what I can improve on?

I spent almost a full decade of my teaching career following the philosophy of the time of having to report to parents "Negative things in a positive way" and it made me sick. Tell it like it is!!

And if you want us to be sugary sweet in our postings say it in your post... "PLEASE be kind..." As for me? I want honest helpful comments.

Generally, the comments here are helpful and not made with any negativity. I have learned a lot from this board; enough to tackle an advanced quilt I never would try before I started reading here. Will post as soon as I learn how.
A lot of times, the comments hit us the wrong way because we are tired, or have had a very bad day, or many other reasons. I enjoy this board very much.

I think ratherb was talking about when individuals buy antique quilts or blocks or things bought maybe at the thrift store and the individuals that purchase them will talk about how badly constructed or maybe even the colors. To me all quilts are beautiful. And as my grandmother got older her stitches were not quite the same, but still beautiful.

As someone else mentioned, people did not have all the toys we have now to make quilts.

I have never seen negative criticism of anyones personal work here on the board. I think we are all very supportive.

If you want a real "eye opener" about your work, submit a quilt to a juried show. The comments are not hurtful, but they certainly are honest!

You hit the nail on the head! And I agree totally. This is a very supportive board and a wealth of knowledge and experience to the beginner and not-so-beginner alike! You guys have encouraged me to try things I never would have...like FMQ or OBW or creating my own applique patterns. I truely do value your opinions and still consider this board my "guild"
Thanks again everyone for your opinions!
:)

I am new to this board and have not posted any pictures of quilts I have made as of yet. (except for showing someone a QAYG quilt I did) I have read this board for over a year. I have never ever had such a wonderful place to go on the internet. When I get up in the morning the first thing I do is get my coffee and come here. And I come back during the day a few times. I can not believe this is the second time in as many days someone has brought up the quilt police. This is the most welcome and encouraging place for a quilter. I never see any off remarks to anyone. I am disabled and have a hard time doing quilts but I stick with it anyway. When I finish one that is at all worth showing I will definatly post it because I know everyone will be so kind. I just wish these topics would stop. Let's just have the nice kind board we have always had. Reading topics like this is not what I look for when I come here. I vote we have no more topics on quilt police. Please!

I thought I had posted on here but I guess I had posted elsewhere. As far as the quilt police go .... if I post "What do you think" and you tell me ... as long as you are polite about it I want the truth. If what I did has obvious errors and you can suggest a way for me to do better next time then by all means do so. I have only been quilting for just over 2 years and I still need all the help I can get. My three best blocks are a 4-patch, a 9-patch and a block turned on point and even thsoe don't always comeout perfect. Only one Person is perfect and sorry, that ain't anyone here on the board. Yes, there are people that are going to critisize no matter what, but there are also people that are going to love what we do no matter what. You just have to figure out what type of person you are and how you are going to take constructive criticisizm <spelling?>. If it is done politely I do very well.

Any one on the board got a degree in quilting AND in criminal justice? To me, that would be the only person "qualified" to be a quilt police. Now to go back and read the rest of what was written and hope like you know what that I didn't stick my foot in my mouth with this post but oh well .... we all live and learn.

ReRe

This is just my take on things..........

The quilt police are probably the ones with the latest greatest equipment to work with and a long arm quilter in their back pocket. They have been to every class there is to go to, own an entire library of all the quilting experts books and they think they are an expert because of it. That and they probably live miserable lives to top it all off.

I will admit I am my own worst critic when it comes to anything that I do. I see tons of "Boy what the heck was I thinking about" mistakes in my quilts and when some else looks at them they think they are just lovely and look wonderful. The whole time in the back of my head I am thinking they are either blind or just being nice.

However you do have to judge my quilts on a curve because.........

#1 I am a guy

#2 They were done on a machine that was out of date before the advent of electricity

#3 I have only been doing this for around two years

#4 I taught myself how to sew the same day I started quilting, come to think about it I just learned how to spell quilting a few days ago........

But I say send the "Quilt Police" on over here to my neck of the woods. Lets throw them in front of my 100 year old machine and all of the technology to go with it and see how perfect their quilt is then! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

I bet it would take them half the day to figure out how to work the machine!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Billy

:thumbup: Your on a roll!! :thumbup:

I was thinking more in the lines of a downward spiral! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Billy