Joy Higdon

After joining this QB(and I love it) it has been a downer and upper for me. I have gotten a lot of inspiration and encouragement from it. But, after having quilted for many years and many, many quilts I am depressed to find that I am not much of a quilter. I always thought quilting was for the love of it not perfection. I don't have a fancy machine, I have problems with my 1/4 inch seam, I don't prewash, I use what thread I have, I use what fabric I can afford, and I am always confused with which way to press a seam. So you can see I don't do much of anything right. Sure hope Charisma can quilt the Snake River log cabin I sent to her. But I just thank God that I can enjoy quilting because I love it. I am a caregiver for my 87 yr old brother, my 76 yr old husband and my 56 year old son. It is an outlet for me. I thank God for it. Love all of you on the board. God bless

mizkyp

Joy, you are a quilter. Fancy machines, 1/4 inch seams, and fabric dont make the quilt. It's the love that goes into the quilt that matters.
Happy quilting,
Margie

loves_2_quilt

You are a BUSY lady for sure. As long as you do the best that you are able then it is a perfect quilt. Don't worry about the threads, 1/4" seams, fancy machines, or fabrics, just remember what our "fore mothers" had to use in their quilts, and many of them are still with us. Relax and enjoy your quilting time.

cjomomma

I have learned not to compare my quilts to the ones I see on here. If I did then I would give up quilting.
I'm like you! I buy what I can afford whether it be Walmart fabric's or the thrift shops. As far as pressing the seams I just go with what feels right on each quilt.
I'm sure your quilts are beautiful!

Judith1005

i see many beautiful quilts here and i have not been quilting long. but, i too have some of those same problems. But, as long as your doing something you love. keep doing it and enjoy. there's a lot of love that goes into a quilt weather it's perfect or not.

emerald46

There is no right or wrong. You are doing what you love with the tools you have available. Don't judge yourself so harshly. As a friend of mine always says "Don't let anything steal your joy!" Your avator quilt is absolutely stunning.

You are such blessing to your family.

P.S. If I judged myself by most of the quilts I see here, my machines and stash would be out for the garbage man this morning! Hugs.

MonnaL

Joy, I am right there with you! And I looked at some of your pictures - girl, you are a WONDERFUL quilter!

When I first started "making" quilts, I felt shamed that I wasn't hand piecing and doing it the "right" way. So, I learned hand piecing and quilting. Then, I was shamed because it took me so long to complete anything. So, I started learning rotary cutters and cutting mats. Now I feel shamed that I have so many tops unquilted, and so many WIPs.

I think loves_2_quilt has hit the nail on the head. It's whatever makes YOU happy. I've also decided, for me, the joy comes in gathering the fabrics, and planning the project.

I can't wait to see your Snake River log cabin when Charisma works her magic on it. That is one BEAUTIFUL quilt!

saf

My grandmother and her friends didn't have fancy machines, just a treadle that did a straight stitch. I know that they used the fabric that was left over from other sewing and the thread was the same as they used for sewing clothes. Templates and patterns were made from whatever card or paper they had to hand. I could go on. They made beautiful quilts with love and care. Were they perfect? Probably not. Were they quilters? They certainly were and so are you. :thumbup:

SharBear

I think that the common thread we ALL share is our enjoyment of the time we get to spend working on our quilts. The best thing about quilting that I have learned is there is room for EVERYONE under this big, beautiful, colorful tent called quilting. Even those of us who lose points, have clean sewing rooms, and are in search of the elusive scant 1/4" seam!

Sounds to me like you are a true quilter - just like everyone else on thie board!

PaperPrincess

As they say, there are NO QUILT POLICE!!! If you are happy, then you are successful. When I see quilts that have more detailed piecing, or quilting than mine, I just admire them. I certainly don't compare them with mine. I just enjoy the process.
You are amazing just finding the time to do any quilting at all! Pat yourself on the back.