I am sure there are many people on this Board that would be proud to be called "professional quilters." Some are, but most are not, me included. I cook because I HAVE to. I quilt because I WANT to.

I second Omaluvs comments.
There are many of us that are just quilting for fun!! Is there any other reason. Please share what you do too.
;)

Hi KSue, I am an average "Jane." I have only been quilting for about 3 years. From the very beginning I dared to share pics of my work knowing I have no where near the expertise of others who post. However, I received a great deal of encouragement, and when I asked for it, excellent suggestions and helpful critique.

When the forum changed its' format my learning curve with posting pics was much steeper than many who "got it" right away. I would like to encourage you "to hang in there" so many of us don't miss your presence and creative ideas.

Picasso, Michelangelo, the painting senior citizen, the teen in art class, the kindergartner finger painting. These are all artist in their own rights. Every one of those have painted or created art for their pleasure and to share with their peers and those around them to admire and celebrate their accomplishment. The same with the quilting forum. We all enjoy each others accomplishments. Don't deprive us of celebrating with you and your inspiring us.

OOOOh girl professional quilters we are not

Not all of us. there are so many first time quilters here. and I am amazed at what the first timers do. I quilt all the time and do not concider my self anywhere near as talented and these people BUT I post mine anyways. wht auntpiggyln said DO NOT SELL YOURSELF SHORT. and if you are having any trouble posting here pls contact someone, anyone on the board will be able to help you.
hope to see you quilt soon.
Dawn

I think you may get that idea because often those who post are promoting their customers' work that they have quilted on their longarms. I personally enjoy seeing all the pictures and don't try to compare mine with anybody else. I love what I do and don't post pictures, but if I did it wouldn't be for anyone to compare me with anyone else. I just encourage you to love what you do and be proud of it because it comes from the ability God gave you. Enjoy the experience.

I've never done an artsy quilt before or a really hard quilt either. Mine are pretty basic. And I won't show mine either. I kind of understand where you are coming from. I don't think there are any snobs here by any means. I think all the gals here are super nice and pat everyone on the back for every quilt they see. But I think my quilts, too, aren't up to par with the others and won't show them. Maybe someday. Part of the problem is I don't quilt my own quilts. I take them to a long armer and I know everyone gushes over everyone's quilting abilities.

As much as I love exquisitely done quilts, I actually PREFER seeing "regular" quilts, and if everyone said they arent going to post theirs, I'd die! Please post your " regular" quilts, the joy and love that you put in them always show thru! The quilt made for the new grandchild by a loving grandmother with mismatched seams, the quilt made for a sick hospital patient by a worried friend with wonky borders, the imperfect charity quilts made from a giving heart speaks to me in ways the works of art do not.

Now, of course these pros make me constantly try harder, and I learn a LOT from them, so I wouldn't want them to stop posting,either. There's nothing like a show quality quilt to take my breath away and inspire me! Also, I assume they all started somewhere, and I appreciate all the hard work it took to get to that level, whether or not I will ever be on that level.

Our differences are the beauty of this place! I believe there's a place for us all here.

Please don't criticize yourself! True, we are our own worst critics but there are so many beginners on the board and they are so excited about learning the skills we can offer. Keep on posting your pics; we learn something here every day by looking at what others do.

If they were giving out awards for Worst Quilter of the Year, I'd be sure to walk away with the trophy so don't worry that your "talents" aren't on a par with others on the Board. We're all a friendly group of folks who support people who need a push in the right direction.

That being said, I'd never post any of my work on the Board. Most have glaring mistakes that only stand out in my eye but would in another quilter's eye as well. Eventually I'll get the hang of this craft, only been at it about 7 years.:-(