Dear Bstanbro,
I would love a copy of the "Perfect Quilt." While I have learned not to expect "perfect" from others, I still often expect "perfect" from myself. So perhaps this essay will help me. Thanks in advance. Phyllis [email protected]

Dorrie, you'll find the essay in your email inbox. Enjoy.

Hi Phyllis--You'll find the essay in your email inbox. Enjoy.

Had a quilting teacher who told her students "If you can't see it from a galloping horse, don't worry about it."

It is easy for us to be critical of our work because we notice every flaw along the way. I have relaxed quite a bit in my own work because I realized that many of those "blaring" errors are almost impossible to find once the quilt is finished.

I agree that we are our own worst critics. I didn't realize however, how much joy we take away from ourselves by being that way. I was quilting with a girlfriend who wouldn't accept less than perfect.....it was stressing her out so much she wasn't enjoying it at all.....it was so sad. I finally stepped in and told her I wasn't going to quilt with her anymore because she wasn't any fun to play with. That lightened things up a bit and seemed to put things in perspective for her. We are all so hard on ourselves. I, too, like to describe myself (and my work) as "perfectly imperfect".

I would love to have a copy of that! I think it'd help keep me grounded.........maybe laminate it and keep it right at my sewing table?!

I always say to error is human and I do make those errors when I quilt. I just love it when I give my family or friends a quilt and there eyes light up and they praise it as being so beautiful. They aren't looking for the flaws as the quilt is being looked at as a whole. Be happy with your quilting it is a gift and talent don't be so critical of your own work. No one is perfect but the Lord God almighty.

I need a cure for trying to make perfect quilts so please send me a copy. I know that most of the time I am the only one who see's my mistakes unless I point them out but seems I always have to open my big mouth.

thanks for this thread, I needed to be reminded to not be so hard on myself. I am just finishing a quilt that has had me very discouraged. I thought I had put it together with care but now that I am quilting it, I am finding mistakes. I find my quality has dropped off this year. The arthritis isn't helping. I need to forget the mistakes and just enjoy the quilting.