Quilt Shows - Encouraging or Discouraging

[mkdquilts]

I'm just sort of thinking outloud after reading some of the comments about the best advice you ever got as a quilter. Much of the advice centered around just enjoying what you're doing and not worrying about what others think.

It got me thinking about my reaction when I attend quilt shows -- especially the big national ones. I always have mixed feelings after looking at the absolutely gorgeous quilts that are on display. I am both encouraged and discouraged at the same time. I'm encouraged to be creative by looking at the beautiful examples before me, but I'm also discouraged by the fact that my skills will never measure up to those great examples. Of course, the discouragement only lasts a short while. I usually get right back into doing my own thing and not worrying about what any one else thinks. I wonder, however, if anyone else ever has the same reaction at a quilt show.

[bar7700]

Louise..... You described it to a T!

I use to go to quilt shows and get irritated at all the art quilts. I asked where are the REAL (traditional) quilts? Now many years later I love the art quilts and like the idea of embellishment. I crossed over from cross stitch and I loved the specialty stitches and beading. So why I didn't land in the art quilt area first is a mystery.

Barbara/NC (Anxiously waiting for Houston)

[bar7700]

So true.....quilt shows are definitely inspiring. I long ago quit being discouraged by what I was seeing. I guess it is partly being comfortable with yourself and why you quilt in the first place. I love to look at the creative ways people are showing their skills. As for me, I'll never reach that level. I just quilt because I love it. Once in awhile I try something new and different by taking a class. In the meantime, I love going to shows and I greatly admire those who put their quilts out there for all of us to enjoy. And don't forget the TQS "quilt show/gallery" that we can enjoy daily.

[bar7700]

I love going to quilt shows but I come away with the opposite reaction - I look at them and think "Wow, I could do that!" and the thing is. most of us can if we only try. Many of the quilts are gorgeous but when you get closer you can see the places where the stitching is uneven and the pattern pieces didn't quite go together. So I walk away full of ideas, not with the feeling that they were somehow better than me at quilting!

That wonderful clear monofilament thread is so very, very forgiving!

[bar7700]

I'm just sort of thinking outloud after reading some of the comments about the best advice you ever got as a quilter. Much of the advice centered around just enjoying what you're doing and not worrying about what others think.

It got me thinking about my reaction when I attend quilt shows -- especially the big national ones. I always have mixed feelings after looking at the absolutely gorgeous quilts that are on display. I am both encouraged and discouraged at the same time. I'm encouraged to be creative by looking at the beautiful examples before me, but I'm also discouraged by the fact that my skills will never measure up to those great examples. Of course, the discouragement only lasts a short while. I usually get right back into doing my own thing and not worrying about what any one else thinks. I wonder, however, if anyone else ever has the same reaction at a quilt show.

I am often discouraged as I know that I will never be creative enough to be in a big competition. At some local quilt shows--I know my work is as good, if not better than some. So, I enter my quilts at the local county fair and, more times than not, I win a ribbon. Many times--first place. Oh, but this was exciting; I was invited to put two of my quilts in a local art show (my daughter thinks I am an artist so she gave then my name) and then someone saw my quilts and called and asked me to display two of my quilts at a local library for a month. Really quite a thrill. :P

[bar7700]

Being plagued with discontent is a mixed blessing. If one is completely satisfied with ones work then there is no incentive to improve or try something new. Caryl Fallert, whom I consider to be one of the greatest quilt artists in existence, once stood in front of one of her quilts and pointed out places in the quilt that were not to her satisfaction. So may we all be dissatisfied so we strive to higher goals. Betty Ann

[bar7700]

I think that we are all too critical about our own work. Is this because we are too close to it? How many times has someone said to you "your quilt is lovely" and you have replied Oh but it has this bit wrong and this bit wrong and this 1/4 inch scrap of fabric is the wrong colour? Instead of saying "thank you I am glad you like it "
We should all stop being overly critical of our work and accept praise

We know the shortcomings of that quilt and we will try to improve on that in the next quilt. But Accept the praise, be proud of your work, after all every quilt you make has a piece of you in it. So be proud of yourself as well

I have entered quite a few exhibitions ( and won some prizes - including a first in our State Guild show for one of my quilts) and I get more of a buzz out of seeing my quilts hanging up and people looking at them. I love to white glove near them and answer questions about the construction process or how long it took etc. And if someone admires my quilts thats a bonus.

Its amusing to hear the comments as well. I once heard someone who was standing in front of a spectacular Baltimore style quilt ( which had won best of show) remark to her friend - I could do that if I didn't work! Love it such confidence!

[bar7700]

I know I'll never be a master quilter, but quilt shows are so inspiring and it is wonderful to be able to see these beautiful quilts up close. I make notes of the color combinations, fabrics, embellishments, and know I can use some of this in my work. This is a hobby not a living and my sewing only has to please me, but I really feel good when someone says, "Great job!."

[bar7700]

I look at it this way... most of the quilts that are at show are 1/ made by quilters who make money thru their quilting... ie either long armers or own / teach quilting to others 2/ are artistic and /or retired. I do not think very many work a 40 hour a week job then come home and make an award winning quilt. I know the reason I quilt is to still my mind and refresh my soul after working all day... but my workmanship is nowhere near high quality.... usually I have many mistakes due to fatique... but I feel better and quilt on....

Seems like the times that are the hardest I delve into quilting, quilt classes, my guilds, my books and magazine most.... because I realllllly need it then.

[littleflower]

A few years ago I had an "aha!" moment at a quilt show. Truth be told I get a lot of those, but this one changed how I view my quilts and how I approach them. As I was wondering around looking at all of these amazing quilts I noticed something, ready for this: they're not perfect, there are seams that don't quite match up and quilting that's just a little off and well, we all know what our mistakes can be because we're quilters. However these quilts overall were just amazing!

So what changed for me? I decided that as a quilter I have the skills to move from where I was to a bit better. I began by improving my piecing, a little step, but a huge one in the overall look of the quilt. Next I made one of my long term goals getting juried into Paducah or Houston. For me, as a self-taught quilter I took a class and made some minor changes in my work area at home. Then I really began listening to my fellow quilters when I asked for advice. For example the quilt in my photo is one that had serious input from the members of my quilt guild.

This also meant for me that I needed to pay just a bit more attention to details like fabric and thread and doing some planning on the quilts and the quilting. Looking at areas that, if I were entering a quilt show would be considered sloppy. So I entered two quilts in a local juried show and got some feed back and really examined what the judged were saying in regard to the piecing, color choices and quilting.

Each step of the process brings me just that much closer to my goal. Even Susan Cleveland said there came a point where she just felt confident enough in her skills to enter a show. As I watched yesterday one thing I noticed is that she pays attention to details - what will aid me in achieving the look I need to in order for this to work.

The hardest thing for me is to step back and not compare myself to other quilters. Our quilts for the most part reflect who we are. So for me that means paying a bit more attention to details, being careful in my piecing, and knowing where my skills are and where I want to improve.

Happy quilting!
Teri

[littleflower]

I just returned from the Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza in Harrisburg...and I am humbled. The quilts were AWESOME. This show is an International show...and I LOVE looking at the quilts from all over the world. I gives me pleasure to know that somewhere on the planet there is another woman or man who loves to quilt.
Returning from quilt shows confirms to me that anything is possible. Some of the most interesting and innovative quilts were the quilters who 'broke the rules'. They took a chance on some fabric and thread and let their imaginations soar. I come away with the same feeling at our local quilt shows.
I have yet to be disappointed in any quilt show. I am always encouraged by the talent and imagination.

FW

[littleflower]

A few years ago I had an "aha!" moment at a quilt show. Truth be told I get a lot of those, but this one changed how I view my quilts and how I approach them. As I was wondering around looking at all of these amazing quilts I noticed something, ready for this: they're not perfect, there are seams that don't quite match up and quilting that's just a little off and well, we all know what our mistakes can be because we're quilters. However these quilts overall were just amazing!

So what changed for me? I decided that as a quilter I have the skills to move from where I was to a bit better. I began by improving my piecing, a little step, but a huge one in the overall look of the quilt. Next I made one of my long term goals getting juried into Paducah or Houston. For me, as a self-taught quilter I took a class and made some minor changes in my work area at home. Then I really began listening to my fellow quilters when I asked for advice. For example the quilt in my photo is one that had serious input from the members of my quilt guild.

This also meant for me that I needed to pay just a bit more attention to details like fabric and thread and doing some planning on the quilts and the quilting. Looking at areas that, if I were entering a quilt show would be considered sloppy. So I entered two quilts in a local juried show and got some feed back and really examined what the judged were saying in regard to the piecing, color choices and quilting.

Each step of the process brings me just that much closer to my goal. Even Susan Cleveland said there came a point where she just felt confident enough in her skills to enter a show. As I watched yesterday one thing I noticed is that she pays attention to details - what will aid me in achieving the look I need to in order for this to work.

The hardest thing for me is to step back and not compare myself to other quilters. Our quilts for the most part reflect who we are. So for me that means paying a bit more attention to details, being careful in my piecing, and knowing where my skills are and where I want to improve.

Happy quilting!
Teri

I have to agree with you. I have been taking classes to learn techinques and to improve my basic quilting.... it has been liberating to be able to be able to decide the way to do something that might not be within the rules but has beautiful results.

[littleflower]

A few years ago I had an "aha!" moment at a quilt show. Truth be told I get a lot of those, but this one changed how I view my quilts and how I approach them. As I was wondering around looking at all of these amazing quilts I noticed something, ready for this: they're not perfect, there are seams that don't quite match up and quilting that's just a little off and well, we all know what our mistakes can be because we're quilters. However these quilts overall were just amazing!

So what changed for me? I decided that as a quilter I have the skills to move from where I was to a bit better. I began by improving my piecing, a little step, but a huge one in the overall look of the quilt. Next I made one of my long term goals getting juried into Paducah or Houston. For me, as a self-taught quilter I took a class and made some minor changes in my work area at home. Then I really began listening to my fellow quilters when I asked for advice. For example the quilt in my photo is one that had serious input from the members of my quilt guild.

This also meant for me that I needed to pay just a bit more attention to details like fabric and thread and doing some planning on the quilts and the quilting. Looking at areas that, if I were entering a quilt show would be considered sloppy. So I entered two quilts in a local juried show and got some feed back and really examined what the judged were saying in regard to the piecing, color choices and quilting.

Each step of the process brings me just that much closer to my goal. Even Susan Cleveland said there came a point where she just felt confident enough in her skills to enter a show. As I watched yesterday one thing I noticed is that she pays attention to details - what will aid me in achieving the look I need to in order for this to work.

The hardest thing for me is to step back and not compare myself to other quilters. Our quilts for the most part reflect who we are. So for me that means paying a bit more attention to details, being careful in my piecing, and knowing where my skills are and where I want to improve.

Happy quilting!
Teri

I've had that moment when I went to the quilt show and realized they weren't perfect either, but still so often compare myself and come up lacking in my mind. It's funny though, there are 4-5 of us at my church who make a quilt every year to be auctioned as a fund raiser. We have always found at least one mistake that of course stands out to us (and occationally others when a block is turned a different way). We are always good about reminding each other that we are not perfect, on God is perfect. Sometimes I forget that in my own work.
There have been times when I just want to never quilt again, but then I try and remember that I do it for my pleasure and not to be judged. We've got to keep on trying There is certainly a gallery full of wonderful quilts at TQS :lol:
Charlotte

[littleflower]

Any of you ladies out there who are in the guild that put on the Palmetto quilt show I attended this past weekend in FL, you did a wonderful job! It was a very nice show. I loved all the vendors and I especially loved the antique quilts exhibit. You have many very tallented quilters in your guild. The garments were also superb. I picked up a few ideas for my own guild's show this May! I took my 81 yr. old mom who was amazed at what quilters are doing these days. Thanks for a wonderful show. PS that raffle quilt was amazing.

[littleflower]

I wish we had more quilt shows in our area. Our local Historical Society put on an antique quilt show that lasted for almost 2 months. It was awesome. To know these ladies made such works of art with so little luxuries like we have today. My neice said that she wished she could do that. I told her to buy a sewing machine and I would help her get started. I would even go to a class with her. This is when she said "NO I WANT TO DO ALL BY HAND!!! NO MACHINE!!!!" This girl has a hard time frosting sugar cookies! I really don't see her doing a quilt completely by hand. We did go buy material though . . . She made a travel pillow case for Gramma's back. with 4 big blocks. Yep 2 of them on the front and 2 on the back. I recieved the rest of the material as a christmas gift a few weeks later. I LOVE MY FAMILY! Rachel :lol: