Dandish

Not seriously quit...but I have joked with my friend that I wasn't sure whether some of those masterpieces make me want to quit or try harder- lol.

I've been to all kinds of shows - some of them with some beauties I could never imagine doing, and others with quilts I know are in my "category." They are all great to look at and be admired in their own ways. A couple of things we've realized during shows is that a) we are usually waaaay too critical of our own stuff...and b) even the simplist and most elementary designs can be absolutely gorgeous when executed with certain colors/values. A quilt doesn't have to be fancy or perfect to be beautiful and, especially, loved (thank goodness!).

Jackie Spencer

not me, I feel inspired, Im just not there yet, maybe I will never be, but I love the journey.

ghostrider

I always come home from quilt shows, especially the very large, juried shows, motivated beyond belief. There is nothing that restores my drive, creativity, enthusiasm and desire to excel more than seeing top of the line quilts 'up close and personal'.

I don't compare my work to anyone else's, but I do compare it to my own goals. Quilt shows raise my goals and keep me growing as a quilter. For me, that's what it's all about.

Rose Marie

Quilt shows are intimidating. I will never be that good. Also not rich enough.
I see all the quilting cruses and fancy machines etc. it is depressing.

sewmary

The last big quilt show I went to I saw that the winning quilts were so heavily quilted with mico-stitching that it was almost impossible to pick out the pattern and colors of the actual quilts. I found I didn't like them.

The ones that didn't win were for the most part more enjoyable. I could see the quilt as a whole and admire the overall concept. My favorites have a bit of humor to them!

I am not jealous nor do I aspire to making quilts like those. It is obviously that many many hours were spent to make those masterpieces and, although I really enjoy quilting, I have a more balanced life and want to do other things besides just quilt!

Like others have said mine are made to be enjoyed and used and will never be in a show.

feline fanatic

I too, always come away from a quilt show inspired. I have only entered smaller shows but have attended a big national. I don't know if I would ever enter something as big as MQX but it is something to aspire to. I try my best to never enter any show with any expectations. I do it for the fun of seeing my quilt hanging up and sometimes I have observed spectators reaction to my quilt, which I also enjoy. I try not to eavesdrop but it is difficult, although I have been most fortunate to never hear bad things said.

We must always remember that quilt show judging is subjective, even though portions of them are objective (general construction of the quilt) the overall appearance and what a judge likes is what first gets a judges attention, then they critique in closer for the objective parts. The judges personal preferences, likes and dislikes, will always come into play. A quilt that does poorly in one show may win best of show in another. You just never know how things will come out so it is best to not go in with any expectations or hopes... THAT is what leads to the dissappointment and feelings of just wanting to quit. I am with Ghostrider, often what I see at shows gives me something to aspire to.

Bobbielinks

I would have to put myself in the inspired group. I love quilt shows, I love studing the patterns and the quilting. Then I come home all excited and can't wait to get to the basement to start quilting again.

Amythyst02

Hmm are their quilts really "perfect" or they better at covering up their flaws than we are? I can pretty much guarantee you there are NO "perfect" quilts. But when you look at them, they are beautiful and you want to be able to make one too. At least that is how I feel.

kathbug

Everyone one has to start some where and not everyone has the same gifts. I am new to quilting and just looking at all the quilts on QD could terrifie me not to ever start but I watch learn listen and ask for advise. We continue to learn I may never be 1/4 as good as all of you but at least I tried .

chaskaquilter

Tee hee, kind of reminds me of when I go to the Parade of Homes in our area. When I come back to my teeny condo, I feel so down. For a little while. Then I just say oh well, at least I have only one bathroom to clean, walk into my spare room that is just for my "not as good as the quilts at the show" quilting and start work on the "not as good as the quilts at the show" quilt that I will give to someone who will love it.