Madan49

I totally agree! Doing it right to begin with saves you time in the long run! I think it does beginners a disservice to tell them that no one will notice if they do a terrible job! Help them learn the BASICS, then teach them how to do the best work they can do with those. Yes, they will improve as they go along.... after 60 years of sewing I'm still learning! But it's important to start from the very beginning with the attitude of always trying to do your best work. That old "no one will see it on a galloping horse" saying always drove me NUTS! Is that how people are going to see your work? On a galloping horse? Instead, find something realistic to praise... the use of color, the improvements they're making... every project has a good point you can use to give the quilter a pat on the back for effort. And then give them a leg up the rung to the next stage! Don't bog them down in mediocrity by telling them bad work is good enough, but don't be mean, either!!

Jingle

I always try to be as precise on each step as possible. My self rule is I try to fix mistakes three times, if it doesn't work then I move on. Making quilts often makes a lot of things easier, faster and better. I totally finish one quilt and start another. I bought my fabrics for me to sew up and I am trying to do it. What is left at the end, the girls can do with as they see fit.

maminstl

It depends on the project and my mood. Some things require real precision, others not so much. I want to keep my frustration level under control. If I know that even I won't see a mismatched seam or a cut off point on a big quilt, then I am letting that go - unless I don't. I know what will cause me problems when putting a project together, so will do my best to avoid trouble at that stage. That is my goal in teaching a friend - if I know it won't go together, I suggest she redo it - otherwise, up to her how perfect it needs to be.

bearisgray

My feelings, too!

ManiacQuilter2

Quilting is a hobby to be enjoyed. Yes, you should try your best at making these special items but there is NO reason to get frustrated over mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes in quilting no matter how careful we try. Just enjoy the adventure of making such beautiful quilts and things that family and friends and sometimes anonymous individuals will enjoy the fruits of our labor.

w1613s

When I just want to sew I get out my "odd bits" box and create manufactured fabric which segues into the manufactured fabric box. When I want to gift something or enter it somewhere, I get out the rulers and the seam rippers and all the other equipment and try for perfection. When I want to learn something, I combine as perfect as possible with the joy of learning. And when I want something for me, well there are no rules.

The important thing for me is the joy and good memories quilting brings.

Pat

BettyGee

I try very very hard to cut my pieces accurately. It means that my quilt will go together as the designer wanted and that I will get the result I want. So with good intentions does that mean that all of my projects are perfect? No way, I still manage to either cut just shy or stitch too big a seam at least once or twice. However, I will continue to strive for accuracy when I cut and that 1/4 inch seam is still my goal. When I'm doing a complicated pattern it is pure joy to see it develop just the way it should and I know each and everyone of you knows that feeling.

BettyGee

You have it right. Quilting isn't suppose to cause us frustration, it is meant to bring delight. Will keep on trying for accuracy, but if I need the seam ripper(s) then so be it.

Friday1961

I agree, too. Especially with "when 'good enough' was left the way it was. It did bother me but not quite enough to do it over."

As I've said here before, it annoys me that I don't have a 1/4 foot and have to move the needle to acquire it, or put strips on the bed of my machine. I, too, pay attention to grain lines. Crooked fabric is a lesson in frustration and, I think, a bad product, and I just prefer not to use it.....if I catch it in time.

"right from the start" is an excellent rule of thumb. The English, I believe, say: "Start as you mean to go on." The same thing, really. I also prefer not to fudge; it's always a reminder that I didn't do something right in the first place.

Great post, bearisgray!

Quilter 65

Funny, I was just thinking that about myself this morning. A lot better to be as precise as can be and things do seem to go together better. Sometimes even with the best of efforts/intentions, the old ripper has to come out. Frustrating for sure.