Quality of Tools
#71
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I think "buy the best you can afford" advice is good for ANY artistic endeavor; but "what you can afford" is a bigger statement than it looks like. I decided I couldn't afford a big sewing machine at first; then later I decided I NEEDED one and suddenly I could afford it just fine. My income didn't change one bit, but "what I could afford" did because quilting had become more important to me.
I suppose usually I'm buying the best I can get for the task at hand. But 'best' is subjective, too, and the task at hand may or may not need that professional-level touch.
I DO consider myself an artist, but I don't specialize. I explore and enjoy. I have a whole garage full of past obsessions, all of which influence or are incorporated with each new thing I discover.
I suppose usually I'm buying the best I can get for the task at hand. But 'best' is subjective, too, and the task at hand may or may not need that professional-level touch.
I DO consider myself an artist, but I don't specialize. I explore and enjoy. I have a whole garage full of past obsessions, all of which influence or are incorporated with each new thing I discover.
#72
What do we say to all those quilters who are using older mechanical sewing machines who sew such beautiful 1/4 seams? My Pfaff zig-zag 360 bought new in Germany in 1964 and my new Brother embroidery machine using a 12 inch hoop can not sew a straight stitch as well as my Singer 201. And it has never since 1947 been in the shop for a repair. But it is not the best that I can afford; but certainly the best for putting a quilt top together. And I send the tops out for quilting by choice. There's room for all of us.
Chris
#73
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,660
I think many people will buy 'better' tools, equipment, and supplies equipment as their interest and knowledge in a particular area grows - carpenters, welders, sewers/quilters, cooks/chefs, other artists (in whatever medium they are using)
I think as one becomes more experienced, one becomes more aware what is 'appropriate' to use for particular projects.
I have learned that the 'biggest/'bes'/most expensive,most complicated' isn't always the most useful thing.
In some cases, I don't think there is a line that is crossed when a person becomes 'an artist' and stops being 'a hobbyist.'
I think as one becomes more experienced, one becomes more aware what is 'appropriate' to use for particular projects.
I have learned that the 'biggest/'bes'/most expensive,most complicated' isn't always the most useful thing.
In some cases, I don't think there is a line that is crossed when a person becomes 'an artist' and stops being 'a hobbyist.'
#74
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bosque County, Texas
Posts: 2,709
In some cases, I don't think there is a line that is crossed when a person becomes 'an artist' and stops being 'a hobbyist.'
bearisgray, I think you are very correct. Some are artists from the day they start. They put together wonderful, singing colors and stunning quilts and only have to learn the mechanics of sewing the fabric together to achieve the wonderful original results that they already see in their minds. They make us OHHHHH and AHHHHH from their first efforts.
bearisgray, I think you are very correct. Some are artists from the day they start. They put together wonderful, singing colors and stunning quilts and only have to learn the mechanics of sewing the fabric together to achieve the wonderful original results that they already see in their minds. They make us OHHHHH and AHHHHH from their first efforts.
#75
Interesting thread. IMHO: having taking drawing, painting (watercolor, acryilics, oils) with poor/good/best canvases, and pencils, charcoals, paints,etc., I found "tools" don't make the artist. Some people paint all their lives but never become "artists". I just think of all the most beautiful needlework/quilts in museums done by people with only materials of all kind, needles, and threads. The talent lies in the hands of those with the needles and vision...
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08-25-2009 02:41 PM