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!
86 comments
KATHY DELANEY
Loved this post!
I was lucky, I think, when I went to my first big quilt show, 22 years ago in Paducah as a new quilter. There was one quilt there that I wondered how it made it in. But that one quilt made me think that I could have a quilt in the Paducah Quilt Show someday. After that I was fortunate enough to have every quilt I entered accepted. This was very valuable to me for the invaluable feedback. I never expected a ribbon. Getting in was my win.
Now I am experienced enough, I no longer look for the feedback, so I no longer compete. Now when I go to quilt shows, I am amazed at the work and look for techniques to try. I realize my work could never compete, and I am fine with that because the joy of the quilt making is what feeds my soul. But I will always be grateful to that one quilt that managed to get in that show and give me the hope to see my quilt there, too.
Ann Ewer
I find quilt shows, while sometimes daunting, are also inspiring. My quilting has certainly improved because of them and also because they encouraged me to follow things like your blog Lori – in fact I incorporated your ‘turtles’ in a quilt I made for our recent Festival of Quilts, something I would not have had the courage to try a couple of years ago. My girlfriend loved it so much she bought it from me.
I aspire to win a blue ribbon (having won a 2nd and 2 x 3rd ribbons over the past 3 years), but I don’t aspire to be perfect. I believe you can buy ‘perfect’ quilts in the shops, which are manufactured – I want mine to look like I spent hours on them, personally feeding the fabric for every stitch.
Cheri
When I first started attending our state quilt show, I was intimidated…….a lot!!! But as I continued to improve, the show strangely turned into my inspiration and I couldnt wait for the show to be inspired again!
Yes, I’ve been to the Paducah show, just once in 2000 because my quilt was juried into the show!!! It was beyond exciting to see all of those incredible quilts.
Valerie Duff
We had this very conversation at our guild meeting last night! We’re considering hosting our first show in 2020.
Our guild is only a year in existence, and many of our members are new to quilting. Most expressed a bit of trepidation at the idea of showing their quilts if they would be judged. We mostly quilt for the joy of it and to share our work with those in need….
We bounced around the idea of allowing entries :for show only: OR for judging.
Any of you out there with advice, please share!
Ann Ewer
Our Show, in Adelaide, South Australia is relatively small – we had 183 entries this year. A few years ago, we encouraged those who were worried about their quilts being judged, to enter them for ‘display only’ and we received quite a large number of entries for display. We still offer this option, however this year, only 6 entries were for Display Only and we had 30 New Entrants. We find that many quilters are unaware of how good their work is, because they focus on their mistakes – which really are minor.
This year we suggested that “if you love someone’s quilt, then it should be in the Show for everyone to see”.
Also, there is nothing to lose by putting a quilt in for judging (we do not provide critiques) and everything to gain – as often, people who win ribbons are absolutely surprised to do so.
I encourage you to host your own show – your members will love it once they have participated. If you have Show and Tell at your meetings – this is the ideal opportunity to see worthy quilts and encourage those people to enter. Also have the people in charge of sewing groups to actively encourage any work they think people will enjoy seeing. Good luck!
wazoo4u
I’m a longarm quilter who eschews computerized quilting, and have a style that could be called organic. There are always wobbles and ‘mistakes’ but that’s what makes the quilting interesting. I also quilt on my domestic machine, and love your style and technique. The beautiful, perfect quilts are awe inspiring, but also daunting to a person like me. I have stopped doing most custom quilting for my customers because they want to win and my quilting can’t compete with perfect ruler work or computerized motifs. As long as my quilting makes me happy, I will continue. There is freedom in imperfection!
Sally
I love attending quilt shows. There’s just so much beautiful artwork. It’s amazing what people can do with fabric. So I appreciate the stuff I will never be able to do, because of the way my talent bends (I will never do great “painting” quilts) or lack of equipment (it’s hard to compete with a long arm quilting machine). I say: wow! That is talent. However, I am also inspired and take mental notes of little things and say: I need to try that next. I enjoy trying new stuff with quilting.
Rosemaryflower
I love the creativity and inspiration. Yes, I do wish I could make a masterful piece of art. I am not a perfectionist with others work. I do not care about the seams or inexact measurements. I just like the work and dedication, no matter how much was involved. Someone shared. There is also an amount of bravery involved with entering quilt shows. I LOVE going to quilt shows, I have not been to many. They are just beautiful work.
This reminds me of long long ago my mom and I went regularly to the Annapolis Symphony. I enjoyed this because I love classical music. I wish I could play in a symphony. Once we saw Tzimon Barto play Rachmaninoffs 2nd piano concerto. Then there was intermission and the crown walked up the aisle to leave the auditorium to walk around for a few minutes. I heard one set of ladies say “I heard three mistakes” … Of course I assumed these ladies were experts, but it was strange to hear.
Anytime you are out there sharing, people will judge for different reasons. So with that, you have to expect that if you enter a show.
Myself, I have not entered a quilt show ever. I guess I could share but I would not pay money to enter a show.
Good questions Lori
Jan Fitch
our guild show is inspiring. It is a show, not a contest. when I go to an exhibit that awards ribbons and prizes, I am inspired, but not intimidated. I don’t aspire to make award-winning quilts; my goal is to make attractive, well-made quilts that will be loved and used
Brenda @ Songbird Designs
Our guild recently had it’s biennial show. I have only been in the guild for a few years and this was my second show in wihch to enter quilts for judging. Our show is a pretty big affair in the area and is a major fundraiser for our guild. We have people visit from states all around us.
Like you, I am in awe of the quality of workmanship, and also a little intimidated by other guild members! However, I am always wanting to improve my skills, so I really look forward to the feedback from the judges, both good and not so good! Instead of comparing my quilting to others, I really look at theirs and try to use what I see as a learning tool. Seeing how others do things helps me see how I can make improvements. I can say, from the first show I entered, I learned that pretty perfect binding is very important and worked on that and got no negative comments on binding this year!!
Of course, each judge is different, and while they have a set of criteria to follow in judging, their likes and dislikes of styles and techniques surely must play into their decisions and comments. Maybe not? That’s just my opinion! Like you, I live by the “perfectly imperfect” motto and consider who will be loving on the quilt I am making!
Kathy Z
Like you, I’m inspired but so intimidated by quilt shows. My piecing isn’t always the best, points don’t match up but I try hard. I am good at putting on bindings. I do love traditional patterns but also like quirky ideas. I’m so afraid to try an on-point quilt. I joined a quilt guild 2 years ago and am so grateful I found them. One particular lady challenges me to do things I normally would not do, so I’m learning. I’m a hand quilter, tried FMQ several times but it’s not something I enjoy. I do like seeing your blog so keep up the good work.
Pamela North
I read an article in a quilting magazine in Australia a number of years ago about entering quilt shows. The author Jenny Bowker, who is a prize-winning quilter, said that as well as the art-like spectacular quilts, people need to see quilts that make them think ‘I could do that.’ I don’t expect to win when I enter but I get a buzz from seeing my quilt hanging. Maybe my quilt might encourage someone else to take up quilting.
Julia Parrino
Lori, your Boxes and Vines is a showstopper! You’d walk away with the grand prize! Don’t sell yourself short! Your quilting is gorgeous!
Mary Lou
I Love attending quilt shows. Yes I have been overwhelmed looking at quilts there. But I always go away in awe of the quilts I have seen. It usually energizes me for my quilts. I know full well I would probably never achieve their heights. But I am ok with that.
I have been machine quilting for many years. At the sewing table and on a frame. I like being the driver. I love doodling. I think the computer designs are Great, but I love being the ‘quilter’. I come away from every quilt show learning something.
Happy Stitchin
Dottie
I enjoy attending quilt shows and seeing the variety of quilts, techniques & colors but have no interest in making show-stopping perfect quilts. My quilts are to be used, bring comfort, washed many times, dragged around, etc. Each quilt is made with love and I do my best to make them nice.
In making these quilts one of the things that I keep learning is the use of color. It fascinates me how you think one set will look so well together only to find after the block is put together that the colors may not look as nice as intended.
My favorite part of quilting shows is checking out all the vendors and getting to see the new fabrics, techniques, tools, etc.
suzanne guthrie
Lori, I liked your comments about what kind of a quilter you are, I too am not a perfectionist, and find that knowledge helps with the whole issue of comparing my work with the “pros”. Then I can take ideas, see techniques, play with them in my head to apply to future projects etc. AND this frees me to enjoy their skill and qualities of their work without much intimidation. There is learning and enjoyment to be had from some aspect of almost any quilt. I do try to encourage all to enter, especially local shows, so we can all be inspired by efforts of quilt makers from the whole skill spectrum.
Theresa
I have made quilts to compete in the shows and try to do a decent job in the process of making it. I am not perfect and some mistakes are left, some are not. I have to be happy with it personally. If I am always going to see that mistake that bugs me, I will not be happy with it on a personal level. I am free with my quilting. . .don’t mark the designs a lot. I do like the free organic look and not the perfect look. However, I have used a combination of rulers and free quilting. The bottom line is, that we are all individuals and we should do what makes us happy in the end. If some people like to make “perfect” quilts, that’s their choice. Maybe that does make them happy and they are not stressed about it. I compete for the fun of it. Cool to win, ok if I don’t. I do get inspiration from going to quilt shows. Sometimes, when you look at the whole quilt, it does overwhelm you at all the work that went in to it. But, remember, you work on the quilt, one step at a time. No matter how long it takes you to make the quilt, it’s the journey that you should enjoy. Do what makes you happy!😃❤️
Kelly Ashton
Great post, Lori!!
First, I loved seeing the picture of us!! 😃
After all these years as a quilt-maker and longarmer, when I’m ogling quilts at a show, I’m feeling mostly inspiration and appreciation. Early on in my Longarm journey, I entered a few shows, mostly for the feedback. I even won a ribbon! The experience was valuable. It didn’t take too long for me to recognize that I no longer wanted to enter competitions as “quilting for competition” wasn’t joyful for me. My joy came from the design and implementation process and incrementally improving based on my own (sometimes ridiculously) high standards.
I love that others enjoy competing, and I’m often awestruck by quilts I see in competition- some official winners; some winners in my book! For those who enjoy competition quilting, I applaud and encourage them to go for it!! Me? I’ll just keeping stitching away…
Bette
My quilting motto is “Finished is better than perfect!” I love going to the big shows, and I’m definitely inspired and impressed by the artistry of the quilts. But when I get back home to my sewing machine, it’s all about the joy of stitching, not the pressure to create a perfect quilt.
Janette
Last year to a quilt show, look forward to admiring the quilts. Would never put myself in that place to be judged. Sometimes l see quilts on display that l am disappointed in, think it is because they are not perfect. Or maybe not as perfect as others have made them out to be. l am not perfect ,l just try hard! Lol
Try different techniques to challenge myself,(paper piecing,appliqué, free motion quilting). It’s always fun so l just keep doing it. Life always throws us curves so l do what brings me joy no matter what anyone else thinks or says. As the saying goes beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I think what l do is beautiful! Lol
Minnie
I’ve attended my first really big quilt show this spring (Quilt Canada). To be honest…I was disappointed in how few hand quilted quilts were in the show.
The local shows (maritime Canada) seem to have a better mix of long arm (pantograph), free motion, domestic sewing machine FMQ and hand quilting.
I was inspired by some of the intricate piecework (not aspiring to using such tiny pieces) and some of the quilting.
I’m learning machine quilting on my domestic (treadle) sewing machine and have a long way to go.
Now if only I had the time to accomplish all of the different techniques I have seen.
Margaret Foster
I love seeing quilts at the quilts shows and I have to admit I am both inspired and intimidated by them. The circles don’t have the odd pointy edges that mine do, the squares and rectangles are not misshapen and my initial thoughts are why do I bother because I know no matter how hard I try mine won’t be perfect. My next thoughts are that recipients of my quilts are quite convinced I should put them in a show, so they obviously like them and that’s why I do I make them, they keep me sane and hopefully bring pleasure to those who receive them and besides if they were perfect people would be too afraid to use them. A friend once told me the Amish have a saying, ‘Only God makes things perfect’ and that’s good enough for me!
Norma Snow
I attend the Road to California quilt show each year. I look at the quilts, but I spend most of my time in classes and with the vendors. There are so many expensive computerized machines to reach quilt perfection that are out of the reach of us average quilters. What impresses me are people’s ideas not the perfection of the quilt. As for my own quilting, I try my best with each quilt and am satisfied with that. I have too many projects planned (and fabric bought) to stress about perfection.
Rosemaryflower
agree!!
Susan A
I love going to quilt shows… and I’m not a perfectionist..but I find inspiration …I have found I’ve become more careful and my workmanship has improved, but I’ll never be the person with multiple national award wining quilts. I make quilts for the sheer joy of sewing and to fill my life with accomplishments. I make lots of quilts for family and friends as well as comfort quilts. It such fun to stitch on the machine and do hand applique and all the rest.. thanks for all your inspiration
Pat
Now I know why your tutorials grabbed me. As I lead some groups I sometimes feel guilty telling them many of their projects will turn out more precise than mine. I quilt and teach a few classes to share new processes and techniques for quilted items that will be used and loved. Perfection would keep me and many others from never finishing projects or even leaving the craft all together.
This is not to say that I don’t learn, don’t get better as I go along, but if I tried for perfection I would have been so disappointed I would have given up long ago.
I am typically at two or three national/international shows a year. I love seeing all the beautiful work. I think I was originally intimidated but finally came to be happy with my own abilities, my lack of desire to spend the time to make show winning projects, and my wish for my projects to be touched, loved, and enjoyed. I am inspired by the quilts and the vendors.
Christine
If I didn’t know better, I would have thought I wrote this article. I love spontaneity and freedom so much more than perfection. Possibly an excuse but that is where I find joy, not pressure.
Elaine Murray
I have been involved in 2 quilt shows yearly and the only judging is done for favorites voted on by the quilt show public.
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