Does anyone else have this problem?
09-02-2011, 11:17 AM
#81
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Northern California mountains
Posts: 12,538
My friend at the LQS says, "perfection is highly overrated. Several years ago I went to an exhibit of marvelous quilts by professionals. I noticed a flaw in one that would have driven me crazy. Then I went back looking for flaws. All of them had flaws. I went away inspired by their greatness but also feeling better about my own imperfections.
09-02-2011, 11:22 AM
#82
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
If you do the best you can then that is something to be proud of. Honestly, I cannot believe that you are not getting any better. I think you are being too hard on yourself.
One recommendation I can make is DON'T compare your work to other's work. Be happy in what you create.
One recommendation I can make is DON'T compare your work to other's work. Be happy in what you create.
09-02-2011, 11:55 AM
#84
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Long Island/Beechhurst, NY
Posts: 1,295
You are so right, or should I say "sew right"! No one but a judge looks at all the tiny mistakes. Everyone else just sees the over all effect of the quilt....color, design, pattern......so many things go into the end result. All my non-quilting friends think I'm a quilting genius.....so, I've finally stopped pointing out the tiny mistakes and just let them think that. I enjoy what I do....even with all the mix-ups and errors. I make things that interest me and don't worry about anything else.
Originally Posted by annesthreads
I went to an exhibition of antique quilts at the Quilt Museum in York (UK). I noticed that many of them had points that were not only imperfect, but often WAY out. Or the quilting was wobbly. Or the blocks weren't placed regularly. Or, or or... And every single one of them was being honoured by being on display and was beautiful. That was when I decided to stop comparing my work with some imaginary perfection, to just enjoy making them and be proud of myself for what I CAN do, rather than be angry or sad about what is beyond me. Eight years ago I'd spent nearly 50 years believing that I was totally useless at sewing or anything to do with crafts or art - now I make quilts that bring pleasure to me and to others. That's enough.
09-02-2011, 11:56 AM
#85
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 946
Originally Posted by May in Jersey
Take it easy on yourself and find the level of quilting you are most comfortable with and enjoy yourself.
I found that I became stressed trying to make every quilt different from the last one, perfect seams, quilting, etc. until I realized I'm never going to be a great piecer or quilter. Now I aim to make as many quilts as I can for family, friends and charities. I have often challenged myself by trying new patterns and blocks, even curves and the dreaded Y seams, but D9P, 9 patch with snow balls, Chinese coins, pinwheels, stars and string blocks are my favorites. They are quick to do and by varying fabrics, colors and combination of blocks they each look different. So far none one has complained so I must be on the right track.
I found that I became stressed trying to make every quilt different from the last one, perfect seams, quilting, etc. until I realized I'm never going to be a great piecer or quilter. Now I aim to make as many quilts as I can for family, friends and charities. I have often challenged myself by trying new patterns and blocks, even curves and the dreaded Y seams, but D9P, 9 patch with snow balls, Chinese coins, pinwheels, stars and string blocks are my favorites. They are quick to do and by varying fabrics, colors and combination of blocks they each look different. So far none one has complained so I must be on the right track.
09-02-2011, 12:07 PM
#86
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 2,316
I think that anyone who sews (regardless of what it is) sees their own mistakes and maybe no one else sees them at all. Keep on trying and don't give up. I'm sure you're doing a better job than you think you are and only you are seeing what you consider your mistakes. As I always say, "if anyone has to get so close to see the mistake, then they ought to have their nose snipped off".
09-02-2011, 01:11 PM
#89
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,129
I don't quilt for money or glory (the blue ribbon). I quilt because I love to quilt and I love to give them away. Everyone who has received my quilts has used them and loved them. Every time I start a new one someone - everyone! - in the family asks "Is that for me?" That's all that matters to me. Relax and enjoy yourself!
09-02-2011, 01:30 PM
#90
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: lexington ky
Posts: 1,418
Originally Posted by cjomomma
I learned not to compare my quilts to others or I would give on quilting. I love quilting, I have my own style and I love my finished quilts so that's all that matters to me.
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