I am a perfectionist. I like things to be in order, and chaos stresses me out. Whether it’s a messy house, or our normal life/routine is out of whack, I start to get stressed until things settle down and the visual clutter of the mess is away. But you know how there’s this saying:
It’s true. Quilting has really helped me to get over the need for things to be perfect, or “just right”. Yes, I spend hours playing with fabric to get just the right shade or fabric print for what I’m working on, but that’s because it’s fun. What I’m talking about is the actual sewing part of quilting. I do not strive for perfection. Either in my points or my quilting. Yes, I do my best, and if the points are _really_ bad, I’ll redo, but I often tell myself, “that’s good enough” because in the bigger scheme of things, it’s really ok.
Quilt police can hate on me, but this is the reason why I still love quilting so much. Because I don’t stress myself out about the little things. It’s the reason why I enjoy free motion quilting – because I just move on if my stitches aren’t the same length, or if my lines are a little wonky. I enjoy the freedom of playing, of creating, of just doodling with FMQ and I am excited to let go of perfection even more so this year!
Katie says
Thank you for posting this. I am also a perfectionist, and I am a rather new quilter. I learn something with each quilt, but I have yet to make one that is “perfect”. I often feel I never will. It’s good to know that someone who makes such beautiful quilts still makes mistakes, and that it’s ok to be ok with them.
Alyce says
I don’t think I’ve ever made something perfect, if that is even possible! But I’ve definitely made loads that I’m fully proud of 🙂
Tina Wright says
Human nature makes us all our own worst critics. It’s a dirty trick! I find your perspective very healthy, Alyce. After all- what is the journey if not for the joy? I’m happy to know you.
Alyce says
I am most definitely my own worst critic!! Friends were visiting on Sunday, and admiring one of my very early paper piecing attempts in a cushion – I was just embarrassed that they were looking so closely at something so “bad”… Yeah, own worst critic!
Carla says
I am a bit of neat freak too. I use my unpicker until I am happy or the third attempt, whichever comes first. I will redo it if I think I can do better but let it go if that is the best of my skill at the moment. Part of the joy I get from creating is by doing something well (not necessarily perfectly, but well) and making something I am proud of.
Group projects and bees have been really good for beating perfectionist tendencies out of me, but nothing can make me work in a chaotically untidy space.
Alyce says
You are so spot on! Doing it “well” is my aim, not perfection. I work to be proud of my projects, and that’s enough for me.
Jayne says
Sometimes close enough is perfect enough! Or just perfect! I seriously doubt even the quilt police ‘make perfect’!!
Alyce says
Striving for perfection takes away the joy, so close enough is definitely good enough!
christaquilts says
You have exactly the right attitude – that’s why it’s so fun!!
Alyce says
That’s the only reason it’s fun for the long-term, haha!
Molli Sparkles says
You’re much braver than me darling. I’m still trying to let go of perfection which is why I think my first intended FMQ project is still waiting to be basted.
Alyce says
Well that’s a first, haha! You can do it, gorgeous!
Beth says
YAY!! Clap, Clap, Clap, Clap! Excellent post! I couldn’t agree with you more
Alyce says
Thanks, Beth 🙂
Susie says
Yes! I try to ignore the Quilt Police, too, Alyce! When things are too perfectly made , they don’t look like a human made them. I love the minor imperfections that make a project feel charming, quirky and unique ! And I love thinking about the time and effort and love that went into making a project. So I hope that when I make something for somebody, that person will feel that way about the gift, too!!
Alyce says
That’s exactly right – handmade with love, not machine made!
Brianna Robertson says
I think quilting has really helped me let go of things too. I rarely rip out stitches or fix a point, I just keep working away at it and a few quilts down the road I notice improvement!I like Angela Walter’s advice on taking compliments for what you’ve accomplished and not pointing out what went wrong instead. I think I’ve developed more patience too, quilts don’t allow for instant gratification! It’s my first time visiting your blog and that butterfly quilt is beautiful, by the way.
Laura West Kong says
I also struggle with perfectionism. But here is something that quilting has taught me: it is possible to be “too perfect”. That is to say, little imperfections can give a quilt or other handmade article life and personality. Perfection can sometimes be too sterile and impersonal. I love the look of slightly wonky hand stitches that are not all exactly the same size. Occasionally I like the challenge of perfectly matching all the points, but I also try to balance that with other projects that ate more relaxed, leaving my seam ripper behind.
OK, now back to looking for that Beehive block tute. 🙂