Last week, I had the pleasure of teaching at QuiltCon in Austin, TX and I had an amazing time. In addition to teaching classes, I also gave a couple of lectures. One of which was titled, “Becoming a Better Quilter”.
This lecture was unlike anything I had ever done. I didn’t have quilts to hide behind or pictures to show, instead it was just me talking to the crowd. (No pressure, right??) I covered a range of tips but saved what I considered the best, for last.
Towards the end of the lecture, I included a list of things that quilters should stop doing to help them to enjoy the machine quilting process more. The response to the lecture was overwhelming and you can imagine my relief that everyone seemed to really like it.
When I returned home, the points were still running through my mind, so I decided to make an impromptu video going over the things that quilters should stop doing. The result is the following video.
In case you are unable to watch the video or would just like the cliff’s notes version, here are three things that quilters should stop doing.
Don’t Compare Your Worst with
Everyone Else’s Best
We all do it to some extent, but it can be so detrimental to our joy. Have you heard the quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”? If so, then you know what I am talking about. Instead of comparing your quilting to everyone else’s, be proud of the fact that you are doing your best work right now. It’s ok to inspired, but don’t be intimidated!
Don’t Point Out Your Mistakes
It can be an automatic response, someone compliments our quilt and we immediately begin pointing out all the things that are wrong with it. I see this in my classes all the time and it makes me so sad. Instead of pointing out mistakes or dying a compliment, just say ‘Thank You’…..or at the very least, say something like ‘I had a fun time working on it’.
Don’t Forget the Purpose of Your Quilt
If you are getting frustrated with the quilting on your quilt, it may help to remember the purpose of your quilt. Chances are, the main purpose of your quilt isn’t to give you an opportunity to berate yourself. Instead, think about the greater purpose that it will serve once it’s finished, whether you are keeping it or giving it away. Changing your perspective may help you enjoy the whole process a little more.
And last but not least:
Don’t Forget That a Finished Quilt is Better
Than a Perfect Quilt Top.
No one ever sat by the fire cuddled up under a quilt top. Pull out those unfinished quilt tops that you are afraid to quilt, and finish them!
Your Turn:
What do you think? What are some other things that you could stop doing that would help you enjoy the quilting process a little more?
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