Good Morning, Quilters!
Do YOU find quilt shows inspiring or intimidating?
I confess to feeling a little of both at most quilt shows I attend.
In the July, 2019 issue of American Quilter Magazine, there is a very interesting article by Kris Vierra, on Why Perfection is Overrated.
Of course, I was immediately interested in reading-as my motto is “perfectly, imperfect quilting” and I prefer making #quiltswithcharacter!
Ms. Vierra notes surprise that many people find quilt shows discouraging rather than inspiring. I was surprised to read that I wasn’t the only one who felt this way!
Perfection is Intimidating!
Sometimes, I’m overwhelmed by the workmanship and perfection of the quilts seen at the major shows. I often feel discouraged.
Perfectionism, for better and for worse, is not a personality trait I possess. I can’t stay focused on a single project long enough to create an award-winning quilt. When I look at all those perfect ruler-made circles, I am in awe. At the same time, I think they are soul-crushing. Many of the techniques, like rows of ruler work circles, would take all the JOY out of quilting! Furthermore, I often prefer the personality of imperfect quilts!
The Internal Conflict
I admit that as I write this, I wonder…
Is this a cop-out?
Am I just being lazy?
Do I avoid entering quilt shows because I don’t want to be judged?
Who wouldn’t want to win a blue ribbon?
Answers: Maybe, Probably, Definitely, Do I care?
Why do you Quilt?
To overcome occasional discouragement, I remind myself why I quilt and who I quilt for! I quilt for the sheer JOY of it and for my family.
Maybe…someday…I will focus on making a show-stopping quilt, but for right now, I just want to make quilts that are as much fun to make as they are to use!
How to Quilt the Ridiculous Rooster HERE
Advice from Kris Vierra
Next time you attend a show, instead of being intimidated by award-winning quilts that seem perfect, challenge yourself to expand your quilting skills in just one or two areas. View these quilts as inspiration to try something out of your comfort zone. Look for specific techniques, colors or motifs that you could adapt to YOUR quilting style.
What about YOU?
When is the last time YOU attended a national or guild quilt show?
Are YOU inspired and/or intimidated by quilt shows?
Do YOU have perfectionism tendencies?
Is there one or two techniques YOU would like to master?
Are there any award-winning techniques that would take the joy out of your quilting?
We’d LOVE to hear!
YOUR Perfectly-Imperfect, but Joyful Quilter,
Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ. For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com. Thanks!
