Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Too critical of your own work? >

Too critical of your own work?

Too critical of your own work?

Old 06-04-2010, 09:53 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 851
Default

I so often read posts where people are having a hard time enjoying quilting because they are so critical of their work. I keep wanting to share something, but I fear it's a copyright infringement. I think I have figured out a way to do it without stepping on anyone's toes.

When I learned to quilt two years ago, I took a course at our local community college. My quilting instructor did our class such a tremendous service by first reading an essay to us. It was the first thing she said or did. It's the single most important reason I have been able to be forgiving of my work and quilt for the sheer joy of it, becoming a better quilter in the process. (I still have a LOT to learn.)

It's an essay by Teri Christopherson entitled "The Perfect Quilt," and it's published in one of her books. I don't know which one. If you would like to read it, send me a PM with your email, and I will send it to you. (I don't think I'm infringing on a copyright if I do it this way. I'm not selling it after all.)

Until then, enjoy.
bstanbro is offline  
Old 06-04-2010, 09:55 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
mrsdralshhadeh's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Puerto Rico
Posts: 560
Default

Originally Posted by bstanbro
I so often read posts where people are having a hard time enjoying quilting because they are so critical of their work. I keep wanting to share something, but I fear it's a copyright infringement. I think I have figured out a way to do it without stepping on anyone's toes.

When I learned to quilt two years ago, I took a course at our local community college. My quilting instructor did our class such a tremendous service by first reading an essay to us. It was the first thing she said or did. It's the single most important reason I have been able to be forgiving of my work and quilt for the sheer joy of it, becoming a better quilter in the process. (I still have a LOT to learn.)

It's an essay by Teri Christopherson entitled "The Perfect Quilt," and it's published in one of her books. I don't know which one. If you would like to read it, send me a PM with your email, and I will send it to you. (I don't think I'm infringing on a copyright if I do it this way. I'm not selling it after all.)

Until then, enjoy.
Please send it to me,, I would live to read it!!! Thanks!!!
mrsdralshhadeh is offline  
Old 06-04-2010, 09:57 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
granniebj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 752
Default

I know the essay! I'm still very critical of my work. I never think its good enough...and I hate to show it to other quilters, since I consider them so much more talented then I. Oh well...I still enjoy quilting, and I know I get better with each one. Just hope I live long enough to be as talented as some of the ladies in here! lol
granniebj is offline  
Old 06-04-2010, 09:58 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
thequilteddove's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Vermont
Posts: 1,407
Default

My favorite thing to say and it can be applied to anything we do in life, "It's (I'm) perfect, perfectly imperfect!"
thequilteddove is offline  
Old 06-04-2010, 10:54 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
hazeljane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 799
Default

I always thing of the Amish, deliberately putting a mistake in the quilt because "Only God makes perfect." I laugh, because I NEVER have to add a mistake- there are always plenty already there.

For me, if it can be used and loved, and it was made the best that I can make it, it's fine. Quilts are love, and they shouldn't be stuck in a closet because the quilter doesn't think they are good enough. trust me, someone else will love it to death and appreciate it.
hazeljane is offline  
Old 06-04-2010, 10:58 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 851
Default

Originally Posted by hazeljane
I always thing of the Amish, deliberately putting a mistake in the quilt because "Only God makes perfect." I laugh, because I NEVER have to add a mistake- there are always plenty already there.

For me, if it can be used and loved, and it was made the best that I can make it, it's fine. Quilts are love, and they shouldn't be stuck in a closet because the quilter doesn't think they are good enough. trust me, someone else will love it to death and appreciate it.
You are so right. The Navajo intentionally weave mistakes into their beautiful rugs to let the evil spirits out. Definitely no evil spirits in my quilts.
bstanbro is offline  
Old 06-04-2010, 11:01 AM
  #7  
Super Member
 
reach for the stars 2's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: ILL.
Posts: 3,515
Default

Yes give yourself a break or you will never like to do it. I tell my students practice practice and someday it might be perfect but I haven't got there yet.
reach for the stars 2 is offline  
Old 06-04-2010, 11:32 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 851
Default

Originally Posted by reach for the stars 2
Yes give yourself a break or you will never like to do it. I tell my students practice practice and someday it might be perfect but I haven't got there yet.
Where would be the fun in that? Being perfect, I mean.
bstanbro is offline  
Old 06-04-2010, 12:36 PM
  #9  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,396
Default

The best one can do with what one has and what one knows now -

what more can be asked or done?
bearisgray is offline  
Old 06-04-2010, 12:47 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 851
Default

If I were perfect, how could I laugh at myself?
bstanbro is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kitty10628
Main
69
08-11-2014 10:45 PM
Cottontop
Main
7
07-30-2014 04:42 AM
quilterken
Main
75
08-03-2010 05:52 PM
Ethel A
Main
55
08-23-2009 08:19 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter