INTIMIDATED - DON'T BE

So often in life we are intimidated when we see things and wish we could make them. We attend craft shows and wish we could make that craft. Or, as crafters, we say, "I can make that".  Of, course we seldom go make one, then wish we had at least bought the one we saw. 

As quilters we see quilts on line or in person and wish we could do that, or know in our heart and soul we could never make that particular quilt. 

Don't let the workmanship that goes into some quilts intimidate you to the point of not trying or in quiting. Sure you may not ever reach the point of making that one you saw. But, you can become good and even great at what you do make. 

Understand that there are many different types of quilters. There are those that spend all year, or two or more, perfecting that one quilt to enter it into a show. It may be the only quilt they work on during that time. With love and caring and at least one or two seam rippers they have succeeded. And they do win prizes and recognition for all their work. 

Other quilters make several quilts in a short amount of time. They give them as gifts, donate them to charities and to those in need. Some sell them or make them as commissioned quilts made to order. 

If you are new to quilting and feel you could never be as talented as some quilters who make the show quilts or the heirloom quilts, don't let that stop you. All things take practice. Experienced quilters still own at least one, and most likely many more, seam rippers. They have a lot of fabric, but started out as you are with just enough to make your first quilt or even just to play around with. They have spent hours, years, perfecting their crafts. 

How far you go in your quilting is up to you. It takes time and practice. It takes trying new things until you find what type of quilting you enjoy the most. And then it takes more practice. The more you practice the better you will become. The more you learn the better you will become. 
 
As for me.... I may not become an heirloom, prize winning quilter. But, I have come a long way in the time I have been a quilter. I continue to learn as I quilt. I don't have or take the time to go elaborate. I prefer my quilts to be used for everyday use. I have entered a couple of them into a local show and won 3rd and 2nd place in the one category. I also know it would not have won a thing if I had entered it into a major show. And I'm o.k. with that. I'm o.k. with keeping my quilts fairly simple. I'm o.k. with not quilting every hour that I am awake (although it seems I spend a lot of time thinking about quilts and my quilting business). I'm o.k. when some of my attempts even have ended up in the waste basket. (Yes, I've been known to just toss a block or two). 

So, don't be intimidated by comparing the quilts you make and the quilts you see others make. I know it's easy to see them and toss your hands in the air and say, "I quit".  However, I think once fabric is in your blood it will always be in your blood, no matter what you make with it. And once quilting is in your blood - some form of quilting will always be in your blood. Even if it just comes to the point of admiring other peoples work and wrapping yourself in a warm quilt made with love - by you or someone else.

Until next time - keep your eyes on your goals and be willing to change your goals if you are lead to move forward or to take a step back. 
Life is too short not to enjoy it as you move through it. 

Phyllis