When you do decide you are not a newbie?
 

I first started quilting in 1992 and then started making rag dolls and sold them in quilt shops along with the patterns. I did that for years. Then I started doing other hobbies. About 3 years ago I got back into quilting and 2 years ago I quit my job and I quilt about 3-4 days a week. I have made over 20 quilts, but I've never made a Y seam (don't even want to try) and shy away from hard blocks. I still fumble over flying geese. I finally had to make them using the one seam method. I see all the beautiful quilts everyone makes here and some of the newbie ones and I still can't figure out if I am a newbie or not. I have a LOT to learn. I don't quilt my quilts. I take them to the LAQ. I applique a lot. I'm learning paper piecing now. I'm doing the free BOM at www.craftsy.com and have been able to make every block easily, but they are easy blocks, which is what I do. But when I look at all the pictures of everyone's quilts, I think I belong in the "newbie" section. So should I consider myself a newbie, which is fine by me because then I don't feel so guilty that I don't try advanced blocks.

I don't worry about titles. If you've made 20 quilts, you are a quilter, period.

The only thing that really needs a label for identification is a tin can...is it peaches, pasta or paint. As far as quilting 'ranks', it's your skill level that determines that, not quantity or longevity. Some people are beginners after 30 years, others are advanced after a single quilt. The higher you aim, the higher you'll get, but only you can decide where to set your goals. Call yourself a quilter, for that is what you are.

I think you are not a newbie. We all choose which patterns we want to use, so what if you like easy ones, so do I and I've been at this around 50 years.

there is no reason to label yourself according to skill- there are quilters who have been doing it for 20+ years and then a new technique comes along and they are again a 'newbe'
the classification should only be considered when choosing a new pattern to try- if it says it's for an advanced quilter you may still find it easy---or it may contain some new techniques that you be beyond your abilities- until you learn the technique-
but truely- don't 'label' yourself- just accept you are a quilter- that's label enough.

see me

I like the way you think! I've been quilting for 30 years now (I started when I was 2 years old... LOL!). I still consider myself a newbie. But that's just how I see me. I could care less how everybody rates my quilting ability. 20 quilts is nothing to sneeze out!

This!

Alison

Nice Thought! I don't think it matters whether you have done Y seams, paper piecing, applique, or a thousand of other techniques that are out there. If you make quilts, you are a quilter!

Your not a newbie, many quilters have shyed away from hard blocks, I have been quilting about 14 years and have not done a y seam. My new policy to get over my fear though is to try one new technique a year that I am interested in but scared to try, two if I have time among my UFO's. It never hurts to try, and if you don't like it donate it or give it to someone here who does. If you don't try you will never know if your any good at it or if you will really love that area of quilting.

My sentiments exactly.