Let's encourage each other!
 

I was in a class and one of the ladies, very seriously said "I don't understand why everyone doesn't just buy a Bernina.". I wanted to say, but I didn't, well not everyone can afford to buy a Bernina! Then I started to listen to the conversations of quilters I was around the next few weeks. Coversations about the 'tools' of the trade. I do think it's great to talk about the best machines, fabrics, threads, fibers, tools etc.... Or if you quilted on your own machine or sent it out. Heavily quilted with complex designs or just stiched in the ditch. It helps those that are looking to choose the best their money can buy. And 'shop talk' is great! But sometimes, I think, this can intimidate or discourage those around us who are new to quilting and don't have a lot of funds available. I would like to encourage those of you that are new to quilting or don't have access to a large budget, make it your own. Put your joy into the process and don't worry too much about how others might judge YOUR 'art project' based on your 'tools'. Just enjoy!

Micha

Well said!!!

Beautiful quilts can be made from half worn out clothes, dull scissors, a bent needle and repurposed thread or one of the top of the line machines with a zillion bells and whistles. The outcome is what counts. And furthermore, the outcome in the eyes of the quilter who made it is really what is important.

Micha Thanks I wish that I could have said this to the group at quilt g. that I'm no longer a part of. can't afford the best of everthing like some. but can still make quilt to cover my kids butt.

Very well said. This is why I am thoroughly enjoying this board. Everyone seems willing to be kind and helpful, not boastful, mean and catty.

Well said Lisa. Unfortunately there are snobs in every walk of life, even quilters. As long as we enjoy what we are doing and are happy with the results that's all that counts. I would just ignore those remarks and let them roll off my back.

Applause!
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There is no point in trying to argue that all tools are equal (some more equal than others?) but what is important is the PRODUCT you produce, not the tools you used. As my aunt used to say, a poor workman always blames his tools!

And another anecdote - a boy my son played golf with in high school, always bragging about having the best sports equipment 'Dad bought me a $500 clubr' or whatever, was simply stymied when I asked him how many holes in one he had with the new equipment. My son and I still laugh about it.

I do own a Bernina and love it, however, I didn't start there. The machine I started with was a Singer. Took a few years before I finally could afford the Bernina. Do what you are comfortable with, not what everyone else says you have to have to do the job. My Kia gets me to the same places a Cadillac would.

mltquilt

I have not yet purchased a new sewing machine. Did get a refurbished Featherweight a few years ago and got DD the basic (under $100) Brother machine for Christmas. At some point I would like to get a machine with a few more features but they are not vital to my sewing experience at this time. When they become a priority I will figure out a way to make it happen. In the meantime my Featherweight is awesome!