Stitchnripper

I would like to say they are evil but I am nicer than that. I quilt with real award winners and one of my friends used to work at a quilting magazine. Most of the group are way better than me on everything (except free motion because they send their quilts out) but they always give me lots of help if I need it and always admire my finished products even though they don’t compare to their work (except for the quilting). I am never intimidated to show them something or ask a question. I think all quilters should encourage each other. So don’t give up and do what you like and come here for encouragement!!

Iceblossom

I am currently in a small group that is a great fit for me, although our styles are different we share many of the same philosophies.

But I used to belong in a guild full of people who did not understand me. They did not understand why I was so gleeful about my thrift store fabric and they did not understand that when they were name dropping about their latest class with super name I didn't care... she's a nice enough lady and all that but I want to make quilts that look like me and not like her.

Sounds to me like you need better friends/quilting partners and not just better points

sewnclog

Absolutely Not! If that were so there'd not be very many of us; and who is to say what is perfect or not. I was taught to do a job right - or not at all. So I had that "perfectionistic" persona. I have learned over the years to let some of that go; that it really doesn't matter in "some" things. Others yes but with quilting, nah. Try something simple and just enjoy the process. Each item gets easier (usually) and there is always something new to learn.

NoraB

I try to do my best. The amazing thing is as you keep sewing and quilting, your "best" just continues to improve and get better! "Perfect" will never be my goal..... continuing to do my "best" is just fine for me. (And yes, I do plenty of ripping out....because I know when something is not my best!

osewme

How sad...I would find a different group & if there are none around then find a good online site like this one. This is such an encouraging group of quilters who love to see pictures of what you are working on & will give you suggestions if you need them & new fresh ideas. This board is made up of very beginners all the way to award winning quilters & none are on the quilting police force. Enjoy your hobby surrounded by others who enjoy & appreciate what you are doing.

jeanb

I love quilting, despite the fact that my quilts are far from perfect. I have met so many wonderful people, I have been able to "gift" items made with love, and enjoy the time spent quilting.

quiltingcandy

I view my quilting like I viewed my time in HS taking P.E. As long as I am doing my best then I am happy. I do dither about colors a lot because I need help, my daughter has an artistic eye so I am forever asking her opinion. But my dear quilting friend has told me over and over, no one knows what color was intended so you can use whatever you like. Last year I made a Halloween quilt for myself and spent the money to have it quilted. I am thrilled with that quilt and I know I could not do it as well as they could.

Many years ago I went to an Amish show, I bought a pot holder. It has a star center and it isn't perfect. I love it for that reason and works as an inspiration for me.

Also, I enjoy going to the local quilt shows just as much as the major shows like the Road to CA. At the local shows I find most people quilt like I do and they are willing to display it for all to see. So I am encouraged by this. It's fun to see the work of the Master Quilters but I want my quilts to be used. My Niece and her family are Seahawks and Mariner fans, the sports fabric is 60 inch wide, so all I did was made a quilt sandwich, simple serpentine stitch to quilt it, put on a binding to match both sides, very simple, and they love it! They keep it out year round. Honestly I made it just for fun.

Monika

How can you take on the mantle of perfection on something that you didn't make from the beginning? Don't get me wrong, I don't believe in putting perfectionism on yourself at any time. But when you are completing others work, it seems especially hard. If it is not perfect, maybe it you aren't to blame. Likewise if it is perfect, maybe you don't deserve the credit.
Enjoy the process. Quilts are love and love is never perfect.

tuckyquilter

Absolutely not. If that were the case I'd be doing coloring books - for 3 yr olds!!
It's supposed to be a fun, enjoyable and time spent with friends kind of a thing.. In the old days, the Quilting Bee's were about the only time women got to spend time together. It should still be the same thing.
Not everyone is at the same level, in interest or skills. So just make it for you.

zozee

Time to walk away from those folks giving you the evil eye or making you feel that your work is not good enough. That's a horrible feeling. Maybe they don't mean to be condescending (some people really are blind to that character flaw in themselves). If you have the courage, you could say something to them about how their attitudes, or how they look at your quilt, or the comments they have made (cite examples) have affected you. Chances are you aren't the only one feeling this way, and sometimes those folks need to be told "this is how I feel when you ......." so they are aware and can work on it. I say this as someone who typically walks away without saying something when I've felt belittled, unless I see it happening to others. Then my sense of justice overrides my fear of confrontation.