Making Perfect Quilts – The Enjoyable Way

MAKING PERFECT QUILTS – the enjoyable way

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Perfect quilts can be glorious, beautiful, resplendent, and breathtaking. However, perfect quilts aren’t always what they seem to be. You may be surprised to know that all quilts can have imperfections, and at some stage, most quilts have given the quilt maker a certain amount of grief. Despite this, quilts continue to be made. Why? Because with experience, we learn to relish the challenges and the frustrations. We learn to accept it’s all part of the fun of making quilts.

Sadly, the enjoyment of these challenges isn’t always apparent to new quilters. Innocent quilters can pressure themselves with unnecessary stress and heartbreak because they’re trying too hard to make perfect quilts right from the start. Although doing your best is always a good thing, it’s time to lighten up. If you find yourself feeling anxious because you’re aiming for perfection, here are some simple things you can do.

Lower your expectations

Aim to make the best quilt you can considering your experience and your circumstances. Start with baby steps until you learn to run. Think about starting small and work your way up as you gain skills. Of course, small quilts won’t suit everyone. If you have set your heart on making a large quilt, choose a design with large pieces and simple shapes like one of Carol Culey’s Quilts or Cushions. Check out her class here: 

Chillax

Quilting should be fun, so relax and enjoy the process. There is much to enjoy, and yes mistakes happen, however a mistake is usually a great reason to change a design element and could make a more exciting and unique quilt. Often this is where the magic happens. Try our Sampler Studio or Stash CPR classes with Helen Draper for a relaxing supportive environment! 

Comparison is the thief of joy

Don’t be discouraged by the success of others by comparing your quilt to anyone else’s. Rejoice in their achievements and in yours. Remember, there could be someone looking at your quilt with admiration and delight. Truly, your quilt could be just the inspiration someone needs so share the joy.

Rules? What rules?

These days we are overloaded with information. We can see tutorials online, join a group or a class at Berry Quilt & Co. or even a private Solo Session with Shop owner Sharon Thomson.  There is no end to the help and advice that is available, so it’s no surprise if become confused and overwhelmed. Listen, learn, and observe, then pick and choose what suits you. Rules are made to be broken.

Go mad and break some rules today!

Avoid the quilter’s confession

If someone is kind enough to pay your quilt a compliment, simply say thank you. If you must say something else, you could add that you enjoyed making it, or that you’re pleased with how it turned out. Most of us can’t resist the temptation to apologise for our quilt’s imperfections or imagined flaws. We’ve all done it. So many of us find it so difficult to accept any praise that we rush in to negate the compliment by pointing out our perceived shortcomings.

Our perfect quilts are the one we enjoyed making

There are no perfect quilters, and no quilt is perfect but each of us has the power within us to create something wonderful. With luck, some of our quilts could become prize winners and inspire others, but often, our most beloved quilts will bring joy to loved ones or give comfort to someone when they needed it most.

Whatever quilts you make, make them with love in your heart and they will be as perfect as can be. Don’t let fear of not being perfect stop you.

FINISHED IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN PERFECT

At Berry Quilt & Co, we encourage you to finish your quilts! If you have an unfinished quilt languishing in a cupboard, we are here to help. We have classes and groups that can guide you to getting your quilts finished some are mentioned above or give us a call to discuss. 

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