Leaving on a Jet Plane
I’ll be off the air for a week while I enjoy a break in Hong Kong. I am not a big shopper and have no idea what I would buy if I could. I think I am at that stage of my life where I just want to declutter, with the exception of fabric, of course!
When I get back I will be forging ahead with all my WIP’s and reducing the back log so I can get on with some new and exciting adventures.
In the meanwhile, tell me what your thoughts are on this interesting blog post I discovered this morning – http://www.lovebugstudios.com/2013/05/21/the-dumbing-down-of-the-quilting-and-sewing-industry/
Leaving on Jet Plane
Monday Morning I will be leaving for Sydney for Christmas with the family. I will be away from the shop but you can still order and I will ship when I return 30th December.
This break has come at an opportune time. I have injured my right wrist and find it hard to keep up with the sewing. Hopefully, the break will return my bionic powers and I will be ready to start again in the New Year.
15 Comments
Carol
I think I couldn't quite keep reading the above noted blog post. I think it's great if people want to be really careful about their stitches, but why get so mad if others don't want to be as careful? And if someone else's book/pattern sells, let's be happy for them. So maybe I'm too new to the quilting world to state my opinion – but I say relax. Can't we just all have enjoy doing things our own way? (Maybe I'm defensive having just finished a "points-don't-match,and yes, it'll-probably-be-lumpy-table-runner." But I guess I won't be in trouble as long as I don't sell or publish. Phew.)
Tatkis
Have fun in Hong Kong! Don't forget to look for a sewing and crocheting magazines 😉
Hugs,
Tatyana
theredbootquiltcompany.com
Enjoy your holiday Jane! I'm with you on the decluttering etc. I'm not a shopper either except for food! :oD
Interesting blog post by lovebug. Straying a little into quilt police territory perhaps? Anyone who wears out unpickers needs to curb their perfectionist streak ;o>> I've seen some horrors however and if you take away the feeling of perfectionism in her post, I know what she is trying to say. I do feel the industry is being dumbed down, but by the fabric companies who promote a fabric range over the quilts design. Have fun on your trip, only six weeks until we go, toni xx
Colleen
I agree to a point. I have seen examples of quilts not squared and sloppy bindings. But also know that many of the easy patterns and books are directed to what I call paint by number quilters. People who have little time or knowledge or ability but want to just create something. It takes all kinds of quilters and not all are 'artists' to keep the industry going and growing. I myself dont worry about my seams or things that dont show in a final product. I teach full time and just want to create when I have the mental and physical energy. But I agree that when it comes down to how it looks finished sloppy is just sloppy.
suemac
It was an interesting blog post. I am certainly not at the point where my skills are such that I could critique others. I would like to personally get to the point where I would be happy with my work.
Pip
I read it too, but I was a bit over it by the end of the post. I'm with Colleen, it takes all kind of quilters. It really depends on the quilter, some of us have a touch of OCD and want everything to line up right (I'm like that a bit sometimes) I think you do get better with practise and if you aren't going to be entering the quilt in a quilt show then it doesn't matter too much. In the end if you have made it with love and care a few mismatched seams and chopped off points isn't going to worry the person you have made it with and chances are they will not notice it anyway (never point out your mistakes)
elliek
Have a great holiday Jane. Read some of the post and I am in the corner of if it passes the three foot test ( can't notice the mistakes at 3' then it's okay) then be happy. I make quilts for my own pleasure and if I make them as gifts then they are as good as I can get them so.. Can see where she is coming from but life is too short to get so upset about things that are less important.
Qltr89
I didn't read the entire post; it was too negative. One thing is to rant, its quite another to critique people's work without making suggestions on how they can improve. Life is too short and there is too much ugliness in this world, can't someone just have fun with quilting even if they call it perfection or modern or whatever? I am glad, however, that she got it off her chest!
GO STARS!
I think if you're going to sell a book, the quilts and the work should be properly finished. I agreed with the blog – I have been extremely frustrated by the books and projects I've seen. They copy other books, blogs, patterns, etc and it's shameful! The seams are messy, the pressing non-existent, the projects sometimes uninspired and silly. I do think that we need easy patterns for beginners – in fact, I teach beginners. Beginners do need to know that it takes years of practice to make a "perfect" quilt or project and it's okay to just finish something no matter what. But if you're teaching others, your work should be perfect! It should show what is possible if done correctly.
GO STARS!
Thanks for sharing the blog/rant. Someone finally said what I've been thinking…
ablogstar.com
Interesting post, I agree if the quilter is teaching or publishing the work should be of a high standard. Have fun in Honkers, make sure you go see the giant buddha, it is worth it, also the cafe at the top of the peak tram is lovely, and the night markets in Kowloon are great 🙂
Sew Surprising
I read this the other day and its caused a good deal of chatter among people, which is a good thing. But Ive learnt over time that I am yet to see even from the most skilled quilter/crafter an item that is perfect!. The Amish have a saying which is my mantra constantly, "Nothing is ever perfect, except for God". For many the delight in quilting/crafting is in not only the finished item, with imperfections and all but feeling that kindred spirit of belonging to either online or outside groups, surely that sense of achievement and enjoyment cant be measured in how many seams you have to unpick on a given item, but the friendships and memories your creating and passing on.
Carla
I didn't read every word of the post, but something like this made the rounds in blogland a couple of years ago as well, when I first started quilting. Oh well, you can't please everyone, I guess.
Madame Samm
Have a wonderful break…..and when you return I have a question re hexie tool…
A Quilter's Mission - Vicki
I agreed whole heartedly with her post! I have often wondered why the front of some magazines have quilts with unmatched points and corners. My wise father once told me….if you are not proud enough to wear a home made garment inside out, you have made it wrong. That was long before the zig zag and sergers!