There has been much discussion in the past week about the "dumbing down of quilting". I have been giving the topic a lot of thought and wanted to share my feelings with you.
First of all, what does "dumbing down" mean? Basically, it is a negative term for things that are overly simplified, specifically to appeal to those of little education or intelligence. In quilting, I believe it refers to a simplification of technique, a decline in creativity, a degradation of standards, and the overall undermining of the entire craft.
Whoa. Them's fightin' words, Ma. So, do you think it's true?
Here's what I think.
There is absolutely a place for simple patterns and easy, fast projects. In today's economy, so many of us have very few hours to spend on an interest such as quilting (or scrapbooking, or embroidery, or basket weaving for goodness sake). A quilt we can make in a weekend is appealing for a lot of reasons. Some of us will take the Turning Twenty pattern and run with it. My own daughter, who was working full time, made five Turning Twenty quilts–one for each of her bridesmaids, before her wedding! She was an inexperienced quilter, but after making five of those babies, she sure had a grasp of a quarter inch seam allowance and the value of accurate cutting. Were the quilts simple? Sure, but the fabrics for each were especially chosen for each recipient, and the lessons in color placement, tone, and value were invaluable to a new quilter. The quilts were quilted beautifully by a paid professional, and without exception, every one was received with joy by the recipient. Does she have a desire to make another Turning Twenty quilt? Uh, that would be a no. But the experience served its purpose, don't you see? Now she is ready to move on.
Will my daughter make more quilts? You bet. And you can count on any future quilts being more complex and involving more advanced techniques.
You see, the thing is, we all have to start somewhere. Do you remember your first quilting project? Or second, or third? Remember the thrill you had going through magazines or books, searching for a project you thought you could tackle? Back in the 80's, I used to love to browse Quilter's Newsletter. I would drool over template cut, hand pieced, intricate designs that were way above my skill level. I wanted to be Jinny Beyer when I grew up. I had a list of quilts I wanted to make someday. Rarely, they had a project that had a rating of one or two "scissors" that might be at the level of a beginner. I even tackled a couple of them. One, I hand quilted and gave to my beloved grandmother, and is one of my favorite quilts that I ever made. Yes, that is Sohpie laying on it, chewing my favorite slipper.
In the mid 80's, I had the privlege of attending a lecture by the amazing Mary Ellen Hopkins. Remember her book "It's Ok If You Sit On My Quilt"? Her designs were ridiculously simple. Dumbed down even. But they encouraged creativity and originality in the quilter. Get some graph paper and some colored pencils and design a quilt! She really opened some mental doors for me.
Then, I discovered Lynnette Jensen, of Thimbleberries fame, My friend Carrie reminded me of her the other day. Lynette is brilliant. I loved her designs! Simple? You betcha. Gigantic large pieces? Oh yeah. Nine hundred thousand other women making the exact same thing? Why not? I embraced it. I remember making one of her sampler quilts. I made a block that was the cutest little house, another one that was a sunflower, one that was a bird house. So cute. I was thrilled at my little blocks, and madly in love with her pretty fabric. I was EXCITED about the process, the fabric, and the results. My sister Trish made the exact same quilt and you couldn't tell hers apart from mine if your life depended on it. So what? They gave us pleasure and taught us techniques and gave us practice.
Then there was Eleanor Burns. By the time I became aware of her, I felt I had moved on to more advanced techniques and designs, but the message is the same: get some fabric you love, invest in a weekend and make a quilt. Excitement, materials, time= a finished project you can be proud of.
In my mind, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. You have to start somewhere. If you are excited about the craft, the materials and the process, the results will please you. And then you have gained the confidence to move on to more complex, more creative and more dynamic projects.
I have plenty more to say about this, but my post is getting l-l-o-o-n-n-g-g. More later.
XXX-OOO
88 responses to “Let’s Talk About “Dumbing Down””
Great Post Nicole!
After talking with a friend of mine the other night about a new fabric line we both love, I felt like I did when I was a girl…we had been silly and giggly and it felt awesome. The older I get the less super exciting events come by.
So what if I choose to make a quilt just like one I found on someones blog. It brought me joy, it will bring someone else joy and guess what? I received a comment from the pattern designer and she was excited to see someone make her quilt..it brought her JOY!!!!
Great Post Nicole!
After talking with a friend of mine the other night about a new fabric line we both love, I felt like I did when I was a girl…we had been silly and giggly and it felt awesome. The older I get the less super exciting events come by.
So what if I choose to make a quilt just like one I found on someones blog. It brought me joy, it will bring someone else joy and guess what? I received a comment from the pattern designer and she was excited to see someone make her quilt..it brought her JOY!!!!
Indeed.
I believe we went through the same evolution of quilting mentors! No matter how “simple” a quilt, we can still make it a beautiful work of art.
Indeed.
I believe we went through the same evolution of quilting mentors! No matter how “simple” a quilt, we can still make it a beautiful work of art.
Amen!
Amen!
I couldn’t agree more with everything you said and I think I have something else to add to the virtue of simple patterns (eg., Turning Twenty and Yellow Brick Road). Some of the fabric collections available today are gorgeously stunning. I love a pattern like Yellow Brick Road when I just want to have a quilt that embraces a whole yummy collection of fabric. No little pieces to lose the design in and no complicated geometrics to detract from the pattern. I don’t think that’s dumbing anything down. It’s just a great concept for featuring great fabrics. And, as a quilter who spends way more time working the day job than she likes, give me the quicky project anytime. Often, that is all that stands between me and insanity.
I couldn’t agree more with everything you said and I think I have something else to add to the virtue of simple patterns (eg., Turning Twenty and Yellow Brick Road). Some of the fabric collections available today are gorgeously stunning. I love a pattern like Yellow Brick Road when I just want to have a quilt that embraces a whole yummy collection of fabric. No little pieces to lose the design in and no complicated geometrics to detract from the pattern. I don’t think that’s dumbing anything down. It’s just a great concept for featuring great fabrics. And, as a quilter who spends way more time working the day job than she likes, give me the quicky project anytime. Often, that is all that stands between me and insanity.
I appreciate your comments so much! The post that started this controversy a week or so ago upset me so much that I wouldn’t even comment and knew if I posted on it I would turn into someone who rants on and on and on and sounds like a crazy woman. 🙂 I don’t know where she got the criteria she set for a beginner quilter but I just kept thinking “oh no, I’ve told all the beginner quilters I’ve taught that there are no quilt police and I was wrong…here they are!” We don’t need labels – we’re all quilters. Period. We do what we love and unless we put our quilts in a juried show they shouldn’t be judged by others, just applauded! Okay I’m stopping now. 🙂 blessings, marlene
I appreciate your comments so much! The post that started this controversy a week or so ago upset me so much that I wouldn’t even comment and knew if I posted on it I would turn into someone who rants on and on and on and sounds like a crazy woman. 🙂 I don’t know where she got the criteria she set for a beginner quilter but I just kept thinking “oh no, I’ve told all the beginner quilters I’ve taught that there are no quilt police and I was wrong…here they are!” We don’t need labels – we’re all quilters. Period. We do what we love and unless we put our quilts in a juried show they shouldn’t be judged by others, just applauded! Okay I’m stopping now. 🙂 blessings, marlene
I quilt because I love it and I can. It will always be my decision to make a simple or complex quilt – with so much information available to us now, it is up to us what we take in and what we filter out. My friend told the story – at Christmas she had her quilt over the railing from her loft and her SIL saw it and said, “You really do need to get a job if that is all you are doing.” We really hashed that episode to death. You just have to “consider the source” and move on. I love my quilting and quilting friends. Judy C IMHO
I quilt because I love it and I can. It will always be my decision to make a simple or complex quilt – with so much information available to us now, it is up to us what we take in and what we filter out. My friend told the story – at Christmas she had her quilt over the railing from her loft and her SIL saw it and said, “You really do need to get a job if that is all you are doing.” We really hashed that episode to death. You just have to “consider the source” and move on. I love my quilting and quilting friends. Judy C IMHO
Honestly, does it all really matter? I’ve been quilting since 1999, don’t consider myself an expert by any means. Have I pieced easy to intermediate/advanced quilts, yes. Have I taught others how to start quilting, cut fabric, piece, bind a quilt, sure. Are there times when I want to do a quilt that I can finish in a weekend or week without a lot of thought, absolutely. Does that make me any less of a quilter, no. It would be a really sad world if we all quilted exactly the same, had the same style, color likes/dislikes, etc. So, lets all forget about it and continue doing something that we have a true passion for, or really enjoy. Thanks for your comments, and can’t wait to see your Eventide next week…and still waiting to see what you’ve done with the rose colored fabric…
Honestly, does it all really matter? I’ve been quilting since 1999, don’t consider myself an expert by any means. Have I pieced easy to intermediate/advanced quilts, yes. Have I taught others how to start quilting, cut fabric, piece, bind a quilt, sure. Are there times when I want to do a quilt that I can finish in a weekend or week without a lot of thought, absolutely. Does that make me any less of a quilter, no. It would be a really sad world if we all quilted exactly the same, had the same style, color likes/dislikes, etc. So, lets all forget about it and continue doing something that we have a true passion for, or really enjoy. Thanks for your comments, and can’t wait to see your Eventide next week…and still waiting to see what you’ve done with the rose colored fabric…
Amen, indeed!
We all started somewhere and with some simple project. The sense of accomplishment was AMAZING when that project was finished. I’m teaching AMIL to quilt and what I tell her at every astonishing quilt we see is that the quiltmaker was at one time a beginner like she is. Then we look for the block units in the amazing quilt so she can see there are elements in many quilts that she can already make!
With each project, we choose how simple or complicated our new quilt will be. Even early quiltmakers had that choice: a quilt for use or one to be saved for Sunday when the preacher came for dinner?
The joy for me is the unlimited creativity that quiltmaking gives me: colors, fabrics, pattern, fabric placement, borders, size, shape, ad infinitum. Glory be! Freedom!
Hugs!
Amen, indeed!
We all started somewhere and with some simple project. The sense of accomplishment was AMAZING when that project was finished. I’m teaching AMIL to quilt and what I tell her at every astonishing quilt we see is that the quiltmaker was at one time a beginner like she is. Then we look for the block units in the amazing quilt so she can see there are elements in many quilts that she can already make!
With each project, we choose how simple or complicated our new quilt will be. Even early quiltmakers had that choice: a quilt for use or one to be saved for Sunday when the preacher came for dinner?
The joy for me is the unlimited creativity that quiltmaking gives me: colors, fabrics, pattern, fabric placement, borders, size, shape, ad infinitum. Glory be! Freedom!
Hugs!
I agree with you. I think each individual quilter chooses the fabric she uses, the pattern, etc because of her love for that project. Why should anyone else care what the next quilter is making..ie if the project is complex enough, etc? Quilting is a process that brings joy, beauty and creativity to our lives. Let’s not take the joy away from each other.
I agree with you. I think each individual quilter chooses the fabric she uses, the pattern, etc because of her love for that project. Why should anyone else care what the next quilter is making..ie if the project is complex enough, etc? Quilting is a process that brings joy, beauty and creativity to our lives. Let’s not take the joy away from each other.
Good post. Sometimes I just want to sew so I will find something mindless and make it. Sometimes I need a quilt in a hurry because I decided (at the last minute) that a quilt gift is a good idea. On the other side, sometimes I make a quilt that challenges me and I will work on it for years if necessary. I have been working (off and on) on a quilt with lots of little pieces and I hate little pieces but I am committed to it…and may need to be committed by the time it is finished! I have two quilts I want to make and then I will consider myself a real quilter. One is a large Bethlehem Star (I made a small one) and the other is a double wedding ring. In the meantime, I will make quilts that make me happy and that is good enough for me!
Good post. Sometimes I just want to sew so I will find something mindless and make it. Sometimes I need a quilt in a hurry because I decided (at the last minute) that a quilt gift is a good idea. On the other side, sometimes I make a quilt that challenges me and I will work on it for years if necessary. I have been working (off and on) on a quilt with lots of little pieces and I hate little pieces but I am committed to it…and may need to be committed by the time it is finished! I have two quilts I want to make and then I will consider myself a real quilter. One is a large Bethlehem Star (I made a small one) and the other is a double wedding ring. In the meantime, I will make quilts that make me happy and that is good enough for me!
Great post on an interesting topic. My thought: why on earth would I give a rat’s a** about what an anymous web lurker thinks regarding a creative project that I want to make? Seems a lot of judgement going on! I teach quilting and the first thing I tell my students (and repeat often) is what my mother told me: the quilt police will not come and knock on your door. It’s your quilt. Do what you want.
As I have gotten a few quilts under my belt, I prefer to make them up as I go along using patterns more as guidelines than hard and fast rules. But that being said, I also like kits that can take all the tiresome choices out when I need a brainless project!
I know this is a long and windy comment, but I get upset seeing nice people (I am being optimistic here) being mean to one another through the relative anonymity of the internet.
Enough random judgement. Remember in the beiginning of quilting, it was about utilizing scraps to create an object of necessity. We are so very lucky to have the choices of fabrics and the variety of methods available to continue this beautiful craft and to teach new generations.
Now go quilt! And enjoy it!!
Great post on an interesting topic. My thought: why on earth would I give a rat’s a** about what an anymous web lurker thinks regarding a creative project that I want to make? Seems a lot of judgement going on! I teach quilting and the first thing I tell my students (and repeat often) is what my mother told me: the quilt police will not come and knock on your door. It’s your quilt. Do what you want.
As I have gotten a few quilts under my belt, I prefer to make them up as I go along using patterns more as guidelines than hard and fast rules. But that being said, I also like kits that can take all the tiresome choices out when I need a brainless project!
I know this is a long and windy comment, but I get upset seeing nice people (I am being optimistic here) being mean to one another through the relative anonymity of the internet.
Enough random judgement. Remember in the beiginning of quilting, it was about utilizing scraps to create an object of necessity. We are so very lucky to have the choices of fabrics and the variety of methods available to continue this beautiful craft and to teach new generations.
Now go quilt! And enjoy it!!
I think, I was sort of opinionated about collections. I felt they took a lot of the challenge out of making a quilt, but that’s because I like picking patterns, colours and prints that coordinate. Someone else loves fabric collections because that is not a part of the quilt making process that appeals to them. Not many are good at all things. Some are stronger in some areas than others and so what is hard to me may be quite simple to you and vice versa…so I guess I am saying I agree with what you just said. (except you said it much more eloquently)
Funny thing as much as we (quilters) differ in skill, taste, etc. we always find things that give us a kinship. Vive la difference!
I think, I was sort of opinionated about collections. I felt they took a lot of the challenge out of making a quilt, but that’s because I like picking patterns, colours and prints that coordinate. Someone else loves fabric collections because that is not a part of the quilt making process that appeals to them. Not many are good at all things. Some are stronger in some areas than others and so what is hard to me may be quite simple to you and vice versa…so I guess I am saying I agree with what you just said. (except you said it much more eloquently)
Funny thing as much as we (quilters) differ in skill, taste, etc. we always find things that give us a kinship. Vive la difference!
You are so right Nicole! I whole-heartedly agree!
I attended a 3 day workshop with Mary Ellen Hopkins in the early 1990s – yes her quilts were simple, but her energy and enthusiasm was unbounded and she got everybody doing. Simple is good. We can’t all make masterpieces all of the time and sometimes there is a huge amount of pleasure in making something simple and just enjoying the process, the fabrics and the colours.
I never thought I’d see the day – but there really are quilting snobs around. Shame on them I say!
You are so right Nicole! I whole-heartedly agree!
I attended a 3 day workshop with Mary Ellen Hopkins in the early 1990s – yes her quilts were simple, but her energy and enthusiasm was unbounded and she got everybody doing. Simple is good. We can’t all make masterpieces all of the time and sometimes there is a huge amount of pleasure in making something simple and just enjoying the process, the fabrics and the colours.
I never thought I’d see the day – but there really are quilting snobs around. Shame on them I say!
OH yeah!! Thank you so much for this post…I feel so much the same…quilting gives me such joy, and the friendships and shared fun of quilting with people making the same quilt(or not) is just wonderful! It doesn’t matter if I am working on the simplest of designs or the most complex applique. I recently went to a huge quilt show…and quilting is soaring to new heights, let me tell you!!
OH yeah!! Thank you so much for this post…I feel so much the same…quilting gives me such joy, and the friendships and shared fun of quilting with people making the same quilt(or not) is just wonderful! It doesn’t matter if I am working on the simplest of designs or the most complex applique. I recently went to a huge quilt show…and quilting is soaring to new heights, let me tell you!!
Very well stated and the commenters so far have really reinforced your ideas. Life is way to short to worry about upsmanship, keeping up with The Joneses or reaching someone else’s standards for quilts. A year or so ago I saw Lisa’s (Stashmaster) “Cindy Lou Who” Schnibble on her blog. It was exactly what I wanted and I shamelessly searched the web for a fat quarter bundle & yardage of e-x-a-c-t-l-y the
s-a-m-e fabric she used!! And, guess what? I made TWO of them…one for my friend and one for myself. We both used them as table toppers this past Christmas and the ‘Quilt Police’ didn’t ring either of our doorbells! end.of.rant.
Very well stated and the commenters so far have really reinforced your ideas. Life is way to short to worry about upsmanship, keeping up with The Joneses or reaching someone else’s standards for quilts. A year or so ago I saw Lisa’s (Stashmaster) “Cindy Lou Who” Schnibble on her blog. It was exactly what I wanted and I shamelessly searched the web for a fat quarter bundle & yardage of e-x-a-c-t-l-y the
s-a-m-e fabric she used!! And, guess what? I made TWO of them…one for my friend and one for myself. We both used them as table toppers this past Christmas and the ‘Quilt Police’ didn’t ring either of our doorbells! end.of.rant.
My DH (who is also a quilter) and I were just talking about the “dumbing down” effect last week.
IMHO there has been a lot of it lately…..it seems that alot of what is being designed today is based on 2 1/2″ strips (or layer cakes, candy bars, etc.)….and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen quilt patterns that are exactly the same (but in different colors) and are copyrighted by different people.
That is what frustrates me —- there really doesn’t appear to be anything “new” presented to we long-term quilters.
Granted, my initial quilts were made with templates….and the quilt designers today seem to not use them.
While I’m all for beginning quilt designs (I teach beginners quite often) I don’t think every quilt needs to be based on what the fabric manufacturers put out — like the jelly rolls, etc.
When I decide that I want to make a quilt I find myself going back to the old books that I have and either using templates or figuring out how to rotary cut the designs.
I still hand piece the more complicated blocks, but have started to use my sewing machine quite a bit. And hand quilting is always my first choice.
Since these “phases” have come & gone quite often in the last 25 years that I have quilted I’ll just be patient & wait for more intricate, less “hurry up & get it done” designs — or I’ll just keep going back to my library to see what our foremothers did first.
My DH (who is also a quilter) and I were just talking about the “dumbing down” effect last week.
IMHO there has been a lot of it lately…..it seems that alot of what is being designed today is based on 2 1/2″ strips (or layer cakes, candy bars, etc.)….and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen quilt patterns that are exactly the same (but in different colors) and are copyrighted by different people.
That is what frustrates me —- there really doesn’t appear to be anything “new” presented to we long-term quilters.
Granted, my initial quilts were made with templates….and the quilt designers today seem to not use them.
While I’m all for beginning quilt designs (I teach beginners quite often) I don’t think every quilt needs to be based on what the fabric manufacturers put out — like the jelly rolls, etc.
When I decide that I want to make a quilt I find myself going back to the old books that I have and either using templates or figuring out how to rotary cut the designs.
I still hand piece the more complicated blocks, but have started to use my sewing machine quite a bit. And hand quilting is always my first choice.
Since these “phases” have come & gone quite often in the last 25 years that I have quilted I’ll just be patient & wait for more intricate, less “hurry up & get it done” designs — or I’ll just keep going back to my library to see what our foremothers did first.
It’s an interesting idea the “Dumbing down of Quilting”. I guess I never would have thought of that concept thank heavens! I love the fabrics, tools, patterns, thread, and everything that relates to making a quilt, bag, or gift item. I still want to be Jinny Beyer! Sometimes I buy a kit because I love the look of the quilt and don’t want to go to the work of searching for the exact fabrics because I love the look of it and that’s what drew me to it. Other times I want to play in my fabric and pull it all together myself.
My day job and then having a large family with lots of grandkids does not allow me a lot of quilting time and sometimes I need something that I can just sew to have the experience. I was so stressed last week from work but on Thursday and Friday I had a wonderful 2 days of taking a class from Kathy McNeil in WA at her home studio with a welcoming group of women who were all new to one another. It was heaven and so de-stressing. I loved every minute of it. It’s what bring me JOY! It’s not defined by someone else and what they think. We are so lucky to be surrounded by many choices of fabric, instructors, and bloggers that creativty can take us where ever we want to go:)
It’s an interesting idea the “Dumbing down of Quilting”. I guess I never would have thought of that concept thank heavens! I love the fabrics, tools, patterns, thread, and everything that relates to making a quilt, bag, or gift item. I still want to be Jinny Beyer! Sometimes I buy a kit because I love the look of the quilt and don’t want to go to the work of searching for the exact fabrics because I love the look of it and that’s what drew me to it. Other times I want to play in my fabric and pull it all together myself.
My day job and then having a large family with lots of grandkids does not allow me a lot of quilting time and sometimes I need something that I can just sew to have the experience. I was so stressed last week from work but on Thursday and Friday I had a wonderful 2 days of taking a class from Kathy McNeil in WA at her home studio with a welcoming group of women who were all new to one another. It was heaven and so de-stressing. I loved every minute of it. It’s what bring me JOY! It’s not defined by someone else and what they think. We are so lucky to be surrounded by many choices of fabric, instructors, and bloggers that creativty can take us where ever we want to go:)
I hate the Me too response but… yeah, I agree 100%.
I am part of two guilds. I love them both. One is comprised of an ‘older’ crowd. Quilter’s that have been enjoying the craft for many many years and they still love every stitch they put in place. But as older quilters they also are more experienced and, sometimes, can look at a pattern with a bit of disdain because of the simplicity of it. I would never be able to talk about lines of fabrics or designer’s with them because they don’t follow those trends. They just do thier thing. I love the life experience they bring to the table and enjoy the human aspect of thier company. My other Guild is the Modern Quilt guild. This guild hails a much younger crowd. My daughter dragged me to the first meeting and I sat there SHOCKED at what they were displaying. Borders attached without measuring, blocks that didn’t square up… you name the flaw and that is what I saw. I also saw alot of first generation quilters trudging along, trying to find thier place without judgement. They were quilters that were inspired to make something with little to no guidance. They were a fresh set of eyes on a old craft. They inspire me to look beyond the pattern.
I find it amusing that these girls that focus on simple to make designs can see so much more potential than those that ‘follow’ the rules. Like giving a child crayons and a blank page… they will let thier imagination guide them, but if they get a coloring book they will just learn to color within the lines.
Sometimes, I feel like coloring within the lines but sometimes, we need that blank slate.
When I started quilting, this ‘dumbing down’ the craft was called beginner level and it was how newbies, like me at the time, could make something beautiful that would encourage me to learn more.
I hate the Me too response but… yeah, I agree 100%.
I am part of two guilds. I love them both. One is comprised of an ‘older’ crowd. Quilter’s that have been enjoying the craft for many many years and they still love every stitch they put in place. But as older quilters they also are more experienced and, sometimes, can look at a pattern with a bit of disdain because of the simplicity of it. I would never be able to talk about lines of fabrics or designer’s with them because they don’t follow those trends. They just do thier thing. I love the life experience they bring to the table and enjoy the human aspect of thier company. My other Guild is the Modern Quilt guild. This guild hails a much younger crowd. My daughter dragged me to the first meeting and I sat there SHOCKED at what they were displaying. Borders attached without measuring, blocks that didn’t square up… you name the flaw and that is what I saw. I also saw alot of first generation quilters trudging along, trying to find thier place without judgement. They were quilters that were inspired to make something with little to no guidance. They were a fresh set of eyes on a old craft. They inspire me to look beyond the pattern.
I find it amusing that these girls that focus on simple to make designs can see so much more potential than those that ‘follow’ the rules. Like giving a child crayons and a blank page… they will let thier imagination guide them, but if they get a coloring book they will just learn to color within the lines.
Sometimes, I feel like coloring within the lines but sometimes, we need that blank slate.
When I started quilting, this ‘dumbing down’ the craft was called beginner level and it was how newbies, like me at the time, could make something beautiful that would encourage me to learn more.
Quilting IMHO has a place for all patterns whether easy or complicated because we are all at a different place with our quilting abilities. I consider myself an intermediate quilter who makes quilts for myself and gifts in that catagory but I also make about 50 quilts a year for Project Linus (sick children in hospitals)and love those quick and easy patterns. Without those quick/easy patterns I would never be able to make 50 quilts a year.
Keep on quilting and enjoying the process whether you have beginners, intermediate or advanced skills!!
Quilting IMHO has a place for all patterns whether easy or complicated because we are all at a different place with our quilting abilities. I consider myself an intermediate quilter who makes quilts for myself and gifts in that catagory but I also make about 50 quilts a year for Project Linus (sick children in hospitals)and love those quick and easy patterns. Without those quick/easy patterns I would never be able to make 50 quilts a year.
Keep on quilting and enjoying the process whether you have beginners, intermediate or advanced skills!!
I’m headed out the door, but I’ll be back to reread because I’ve been thinking about this A LOT myself.
I’m headed out the door, but I’ll be back to reread because I’ve been thinking about this A LOT myself.
Bravo for this excellent post. It is too easy to criticize so called ‘easy’ patterns and lament a ‘lack of creativity.’ I’m saddened to know that once again, there are those who need to build themselves up by putting others down…isn’t there room for all skill levels and interests in quilting?
Bravo for this excellent post. It is too easy to criticize so called ‘easy’ patterns and lament a ‘lack of creativity.’ I’m saddened to know that once again, there are those who need to build themselves up by putting others down…isn’t there room for all skill levels and interests in quilting?
It is so nice to see your post and all these comments. I’m glad to see that by FAR, we are a harmonious group that is accepting of all skill levels. Let the beginners (like me) do the simple stuff and be able to stretch and grow with time. Let the advanced do the really complex and intricate designs to keep them challenged. Hurrah!
It is so nice to see your post and all these comments. I’m glad to see that by FAR, we are a harmonious group that is accepting of all skill levels. Let the beginners (like me) do the simple stuff and be able to stretch and grow with time. Let the advanced do the really complex and intricate designs to keep them challenged. Hurrah!
I think a finished simple quilt is better than complicated unfinished pieces in a box some where. I made quilts with simple squares of scraps that I use every day with my baby. I think they look nice and are practical. If someone only appreciates intricate self designed quilts then go to judged quilt shows. The important thing to me is that I’m sewing and doing something I love. And if I can give a simple quilt as a gift even better. Thanks for addressing.
I think a finished simple quilt is better than complicated unfinished pieces in a box some where. I made quilts with simple squares of scraps that I use every day with my baby. I think they look nice and are practical. If someone only appreciates intricate self designed quilts then go to judged quilt shows. The important thing to me is that I’m sewing and doing something I love. And if I can give a simple quilt as a gift even better. Thanks for addressing.
Nicely said!!
Nicely said!!
Very well expressed. I do wonder two things – firstly whether the fact that we all seem busier than ever means we have less time for complicated patterns? Secondly whether the fact that quilting is booming and there is possibly a large percentage of new quilters working on simpler patterns has added to the perception (not necessarily reality) of dumbing down? Here in the UK it happened with knitting a few years back – simple garter stitch scarf patterns and kits appeared everywhere! There were just as many people knitting complex arans and fairisles as ever, but the much bigger proportion of beginners sort of disguised that. In my view, great – more beginners invigorate the craft and means supplies are much more readily available than they were. Maybe, if all the new quilters carry on quilting over the next few years we’ll see more intermediate and advanced patterns. As so many have said, there’s a place for all levels and styles and it should be fun and pleasure without the snobbery.
Very well expressed. I do wonder two things – firstly whether the fact that we all seem busier than ever means we have less time for complicated patterns? Secondly whether the fact that quilting is booming and there is possibly a large percentage of new quilters working on simpler patterns has added to the perception (not necessarily reality) of dumbing down? Here in the UK it happened with knitting a few years back – simple garter stitch scarf patterns and kits appeared everywhere! There were just as many people knitting complex arans and fairisles as ever, but the much bigger proportion of beginners sort of disguised that. In my view, great – more beginners invigorate the craft and means supplies are much more readily available than they were. Maybe, if all the new quilters carry on quilting over the next few years we’ll see more intermediate and advanced patterns. As so many have said, there’s a place for all levels and styles and it should be fun and pleasure without the snobbery.
Thank you for a well written post. I read the blog post that started it all and I was actually shocked that people (or at least the blog author) were/are so judgmental over what kind of quilts other people are making, if they choose the fabric themselves or buy a collection, intricate advanced patterns or simple ones. Sounds like a prime example of people building themselves up by putting others down. I am all for the “dumbing down” (just the expression makes my skin crawl), however I don’t see it as dumb. If jelly rolls and layer cakes makes it easier for busy people to make time for a little sewing, then why not? Is that dumb? Personally I like more contemporary quilts which usually consists of more simple patterns. Guess the uppity quilt police has never heard of the expression “less is more”? Would it ever occur to me to make a negative comment to someone who makes the kind of quilts I don’t like? No, the thought would never cross my mind. I just want people to be happy in their own creativity, whatever that may be. Just because something is not in my taste doesn’t mean that I can’t appreciate their creativity and the work they’re putting into it… and why would anyone care what I think anyway? Thank god I have not met many quilt bullies and I hope none of your readers has to deal with them either. Personally, I’m just to old for that kind of $hiiit so I quickly deleted that blog from my list. There’s enough commotion in the world… who needs it in the quilting world? Sorry for my ramblings. I like what you wrote.
Thank you for a well written post. I read the blog post that started it all and I was actually shocked that people (or at least the blog author) were/are so judgmental over what kind of quilts other people are making, if they choose the fabric themselves or buy a collection, intricate advanced patterns or simple ones. Sounds like a prime example of people building themselves up by putting others down. I am all for the “dumbing down” (just the expression makes my skin crawl), however I don’t see it as dumb. If jelly rolls and layer cakes makes it easier for busy people to make time for a little sewing, then why not? Is that dumb? Personally I like more contemporary quilts which usually consists of more simple patterns. Guess the uppity quilt police has never heard of the expression “less is more”? Would it ever occur to me to make a negative comment to someone who makes the kind of quilts I don’t like? No, the thought would never cross my mind. I just want people to be happy in their own creativity, whatever that may be. Just because something is not in my taste doesn’t mean that I can’t appreciate their creativity and the work they’re putting into it… and why would anyone care what I think anyway? Thank god I have not met many quilt bullies and I hope none of your readers has to deal with them either. Personally, I’m just to old for that kind of $hiiit so I quickly deleted that blog from my list. There’s enough commotion in the world… who needs it in the quilting world? Sorry for my ramblings. I like what you wrote.
I read the original blogger’s post, which brought up the topic of dumbing down and I laughed until I almost cried, it was that funny. Not fighting words – funny.
I don’t think there’s a place in quilting for fighting. The original post, once I got past the humor, was thought provoking and I agreed with it 100%. I think a lot of people are choosing to treat her opinion as a chance to “do a blog battle”. What a waste of time and effort, IMNSHO.
I also notice that she put her money where her mouth is, by posting one of the most thorough tutorials I’ve seen on a quilting blog.
I like your blog – and your opinion – and her opinion, but what I really liked best was that the subject brought out each of your stories about how you (and your daughter) began quilting. Your experiences, your thoughts, your aspirations, your fabric choices the quirks that went with your quilts….well, I think you get my point. I, personally, read blogs for people stories and quilt stories.
Let’s leave the fighting out of it, pretty please.
I read the original blogger’s post, which brought up the topic of dumbing down and I laughed until I almost cried, it was that funny. Not fighting words – funny.
I don’t think there’s a place in quilting for fighting. The original post, once I got past the humor, was thought provoking and I agreed with it 100%. I think a lot of people are choosing to treat her opinion as a chance to “do a blog battle”. What a waste of time and effort, IMNSHO.
I also notice that she put her money where her mouth is, by posting one of the most thorough tutorials I’ve seen on a quilting blog.
I like your blog – and your opinion – and her opinion, but what I really liked best was that the subject brought out each of your stories about how you (and your daughter) began quilting. Your experiences, your thoughts, your aspirations, your fabric choices the quirks that went with your quilts….well, I think you get my point. I, personally, read blogs for people stories and quilt stories.
Let’s leave the fighting out of it, pretty please.
Okay, am I the only one who couldn’t stop laughing after seeing the caveman picture? I know it was a serious post, but it was so funny trying to read with that face staring at me 🙂 Thanks for making my day! That said, I agree with your post 100%. I also agree that if someone said what I did was “dumbing down” that would be fighting words…not literally…but in a “bring it” kind of way. I love doing simple, mindless quilts sometimes. The recipients still enjoy them, I enjoy making them, and stores love that I bought their kits (gasp a kit!). That doesn’t mean I don’t love doing hand applique (needleturn, starch method, fusible, and hawaiian), paper piecing (try Dear Jane size), and mixed techniques. My bachelor’s in business required me to take high level math, like applied calculus and statistics but do I want to figure out how to change a block size? Noooo thank you and yess thank you Nicole for making me laugh…and inspiring me 🙂
Okay, am I the only one who couldn’t stop laughing after seeing the caveman picture? I know it was a serious post, but it was so funny trying to read with that face staring at me 🙂 Thanks for making my day! That said, I agree with your post 100%. I also agree that if someone said what I did was “dumbing down” that would be fighting words…not literally…but in a “bring it” kind of way. I love doing simple, mindless quilts sometimes. The recipients still enjoy them, I enjoy making them, and stores love that I bought their kits (gasp a kit!). That doesn’t mean I don’t love doing hand applique (needleturn, starch method, fusible, and hawaiian), paper piecing (try Dear Jane size), and mixed techniques. My bachelor’s in business required me to take high level math, like applied calculus and statistics but do I want to figure out how to change a block size? Noooo thank you and yess thank you Nicole for making me laugh…and inspiring me 🙂
Um Sophie, no one told YOU that you could sit on Nicole’s favorite quilt WHILE you chew her slipper! I swear, it’s like having a toddler in the house….
Um Sophie, no one told YOU that you could sit on Nicole’s favorite quilt WHILE you chew her slipper! I swear, it’s like having a toddler in the house….
I agree, absolutely! I may never make a complicated, time-consuming quilt. But if I can make a bunch of simple quilts that my friends and family love, that’s good enough for me!
I agree, absolutely! I may never make a complicated, time-consuming quilt. But if I can make a bunch of simple quilts that my friends and family love, that’s good enough for me!
Bravo, Nicole! There are lots of reasons why we make “easy” quilts. Maybe it’s because we need one right away. Or it’s going to a child to be well used. Perhaps it’s because your skill level is beginner and you have no quilt mentor to guide you and/or cannot afford to take a class. (That’s a whole nother topic – the price of quilt classes anymore. They scare me off for sure.) Whatever the reason, does it really matter? I don’t think so. You are creating and you are enjoying yourelf. At least something is being made. Take for instance, your daughter as opposed to a “quilt snob” who only makes difficult quilts that take forever. She made five to the other person’s zero.
The important thing is to have fun – and to stop being so critical of our fellow quilters. There are many more important topics out there to worry about other than who makes what.
Also, you never know what that person has on her plate. Although I am retired, I am super busy. My husband had a stroke five years ago and although he is fine, he is physically limited to what he can do. So I clean house, do the yard, clean the garage, do all the heavy work, take care of the car, take care of the dog, run all the errands, etc., etc., etc.. My sister lives near by and has no hobbies and no friends so we do lunch and go shopping to keep her busy. My elderly Mom lives near by so I keep an eye on her and take her to her doctor appointments, which are quite a few as she has skin cancer. Then there is my single daughter with two young boys to help out with baseball practice and other activities. I’m not complaining, I just think people should realise that perhaps something easy is about all some people can do sometimes.
I’ve said it before, how about a little kindness people!
Thanks for posting about topics that we are all thinking about, Nicole!
Bravo, Nicole! There are lots of reasons why we make “easy” quilts. Maybe it’s because we need one right away. Or it’s going to a child to be well used. Perhaps it’s because your skill level is beginner and you have no quilt mentor to guide you and/or cannot afford to take a class. (That’s a whole nother topic – the price of quilt classes anymore. They scare me off for sure.) Whatever the reason, does it really matter? I don’t think so. You are creating and you are enjoying yourelf. At least something is being made. Take for instance, your daughter as opposed to a “quilt snob” who only makes difficult quilts that take forever. She made five to the other person’s zero.
The important thing is to have fun – and to stop being so critical of our fellow quilters. There are many more important topics out there to worry about other than who makes what.
Also, you never know what that person has on her plate. Although I am retired, I am super busy. My husband had a stroke five years ago and although he is fine, he is physically limited to what he can do. So I clean house, do the yard, clean the garage, do all the heavy work, take care of the car, take care of the dog, run all the errands, etc., etc., etc.. My sister lives near by and has no hobbies and no friends so we do lunch and go shopping to keep her busy. My elderly Mom lives near by so I keep an eye on her and take her to her doctor appointments, which are quite a few as she has skin cancer. Then there is my single daughter with two young boys to help out with baseball practice and other activities. I’m not complaining, I just think people should realise that perhaps something easy is about all some people can do sometimes.
I’ve said it before, how about a little kindness people!
Thanks for posting about topics that we are all thinking about, Nicole!
Amen to your post, Nicole. No one should be able to define what’s acceptable for another’s creativity. It’s always a very personal journey.
Amen to your post, Nicole. No one should be able to define what’s acceptable for another’s creativity. It’s always a very personal journey.
My hope is that the “quilt police” that started this “dumbing down of quilting” topic is embarrassed. And not because open-minded quilters are calling her out, but because hopefully it was something she didn’t mean to write– hopefully she was “having a day” and didn’t realize how she sounded.
Van Gogh didn’t smooth his paint out on canvas, e.e. cummings was not a fan of punctuation, and I like simple quilt patterns. Artists/creative types do the work for the joy, not to “meet someone elses standards”. If there is not joy in the process, there is no point (and frankly, “complicated quilts” often look too modern or country for my tastes, so…… ) Anyway, amen to what you said, Nicole.
My hope is that the “quilt police” that started this “dumbing down of quilting” topic is embarrassed. And not because open-minded quilters are calling her out, but because hopefully it was something she didn’t mean to write– hopefully she was “having a day” and didn’t realize how she sounded.
Van Gogh didn’t smooth his paint out on canvas, e.e. cummings was not a fan of punctuation, and I like simple quilt patterns. Artists/creative types do the work for the joy, not to “meet someone elses standards”. If there is not joy in the process, there is no point (and frankly, “complicated quilts” often look too modern or country for my tastes, so…… ) Anyway, amen to what you said, Nicole.
Nicole, great post! I just had to tell you that my first quilt was made in a class and not knowing any better, my sis in law and I signed up for this gorgeous “Star Spin” or sometimes called “Spinning Star” quilt…king-sized! Like I said, we were both experienced seamstresses, years of making clothing so when we saw the shop display we said OOOOO….AHHHHH, we need to make that. It wasn’t until mid way through the class that we were told it was an advanced skills design…HUH??? We just went along fat dumb and happy and didn’t have any issues except the final layout. We decided to change ours up a bit, I also added some contrasting borders to the octagon framing border as it seemed too plain. After show an tell the next week, almost every one of the ladies in the class had unpicked their center border to do the same thing I did. Most of these ladies were attending this class for the third time, some for the second and they were experienced quilters but the pattern they said, was just ‘to difficult’ to get it right the first time. Now…as the only first time quilters in the class, my sis in law and I didn’t have any problems getting everything to go together smoothly. It had nothing to do with natural talent, nor skill, it was purely because we had never made a quilt top before and because we knew how to sew, and DID NOT know it was a tough pattern, just settled in and followed the directions. It truly is a somewhat difficult pattern now that I have been quilting a while I look at it and wonder how in the world I made it right the first time. Honestly, if I had been quilting for a while I probably would not have tried the pattern. The second quilt I made was so over simple that I got bored with it and it took me 6 months to finish because I hated doing those simple blocks. Now, after quilting for 3 years…well 2 really as last year was completely lost to health problems, made one quilt last year *ugh*. But, I have since learned to enjoy both the very involved and the very simple sides of quilting. As you pointed out so well, they both have their place. Every quilter I know, at some point or another wants to stop what they are doing and make something that will give them ‘instant gratification’, and I find myself doing a lot of that lately as once again I started this year off with a surgery that will keep me from my sewing machine for several months. So I’m working on stitchery quilt blocks while I wait to reintroduce myself to my sewing machine. My personal feeling about all of this though, is that if you love what your making, simple, or complex, large or small, that is the only thing that matters. I quilt because I find it relieves my stress level incredibly and also serves as a pain reliever when I have flare ups with my medial issues…along with the fact that I just plain love to sew and create. So I say, make anything you want…just LOVE what your working on and don’t worry about what anyone else says. By the way, here is the link to a photo of the very first quilt pattern. I hope you will take a peek. *this is not the one I made, it is the pattern used for my first quilt class. Who knew??? LOL Hugs…
http://www.amishcountrylanes.com/Pages/hs205.shtml
Nicole, great post! I just had to tell you that my first quilt was made in a class and not knowing any better, my sis in law and I signed up for this gorgeous “Star Spin” or sometimes called “Spinning Star” quilt…king-sized! Like I said, we were both experienced seamstresses, years of making clothing so when we saw the shop display we said OOOOO….AHHHHH, we need to make that. It wasn’t until mid way through the class that we were told it was an advanced skills design…HUH??? We just went along fat dumb and happy and didn’t have any issues except the final layout. We decided to change ours up a bit, I also added some contrasting borders to the octagon framing border as it seemed too plain. After show an tell the next week, almost every one of the ladies in the class had unpicked their center border to do the same thing I did. Most of these ladies were attending this class for the third time, some for the second and they were experienced quilters but the pattern they said, was just ‘to difficult’ to get it right the first time. Now…as the only first time quilters in the class, my sis in law and I didn’t have any problems getting everything to go together smoothly. It had nothing to do with natural talent, nor skill, it was purely because we had never made a quilt top before and because we knew how to sew, and DID NOT know it was a tough pattern, just settled in and followed the directions. It truly is a somewhat difficult pattern now that I have been quilting a while I look at it and wonder how in the world I made it right the first time. Honestly, if I had been quilting for a while I probably would not have tried the pattern. The second quilt I made was so over simple that I got bored with it and it took me 6 months to finish because I hated doing those simple blocks. Now, after quilting for 3 years…well 2 really as last year was completely lost to health problems, made one quilt last year *ugh*. But, I have since learned to enjoy both the very involved and the very simple sides of quilting. As you pointed out so well, they both have their place. Every quilter I know, at some point or another wants to stop what they are doing and make something that will give them ‘instant gratification’, and I find myself doing a lot of that lately as once again I started this year off with a surgery that will keep me from my sewing machine for several months. So I’m working on stitchery quilt blocks while I wait to reintroduce myself to my sewing machine. My personal feeling about all of this though, is that if you love what your making, simple, or complex, large or small, that is the only thing that matters. I quilt because I find it relieves my stress level incredibly and also serves as a pain reliever when I have flare ups with my medial issues…along with the fact that I just plain love to sew and create. So I say, make anything you want…just LOVE what your working on and don’t worry about what anyone else says. By the way, here is the link to a photo of the very first quilt pattern. I hope you will take a peek. *this is not the one I made, it is the pattern used for my first quilt class. Who knew??? LOL Hugs…
http://www.amishcountrylanes.com/Pages/hs205.shtml
Well after reading all about this on various blogs, and kinda the “original post”, I’ll put MY 2 cents in…lol
Ummm, who cares…really, who cares what people are making? Its thier thing, thier choice, none of our business…
I’ve been quilting for 11 years. I started out actually with complicated blocks cause I didn’t know I was supposed to begin with simple ones! lol…
I find myself going towards the eaiser ones now. People just don’t have much time, and sometimes wanna sew mindlessly..So? who cares…
All the “simple” patterns I see the younger designers selling seem siily to ME to even need a pattern, but so what, good for them to have a businees they enjoy. At least the art of quiltmaking is continuing on!
I want people to USE my quilts, so I often use a simple pattern..nuff said
Well after reading all about this on various blogs, and kinda the “original post”, I’ll put MY 2 cents in…lol
Ummm, who cares…really, who cares what people are making? Its thier thing, thier choice, none of our business…
I’ve been quilting for 11 years. I started out actually with complicated blocks cause I didn’t know I was supposed to begin with simple ones! lol…
I find myself going towards the eaiser ones now. People just don’t have much time, and sometimes wanna sew mindlessly..So? who cares…
All the “simple” patterns I see the younger designers selling seem siily to ME to even need a pattern, but so what, good for them to have a businees they enjoy. At least the art of quiltmaking is continuing on!
I want people to USE my quilts, so I often use a simple pattern..nuff said
I haven’t seen the article that caused this response, but you are dead on. You have a very articulate way of expressing yourself, and you are 100% right! We all start somewhere. Thanks for sharing.
I haven’t seen the article that caused this response, but you are dead on. You have a very articulate way of expressing yourself, and you are 100% right! We all start somewhere. Thanks for sharing.
Amen! Well said, Nicole. I get so frustrated when people call simple quilting “dumbing down”. If you are happy, and enjoying what you are doing, then you are experiencing quilting to the fullest. Who cares if it is a double wedding ring or 20 jelly roll strips sewn together and quilted. As long as you love it, it’s perfect.
Amen! Well said, Nicole. I get so frustrated when people call simple quilting “dumbing down”. If you are happy, and enjoying what you are doing, then you are experiencing quilting to the fullest. Who cares if it is a double wedding ring or 20 jelly roll strips sewn together and quilted. As long as you love it, it’s perfect.
At first when this “dumbing down” and other business went down, I thought to myself, “wow, this is silly and these people have far too much time in their hands.” BUT after the dust settled, I found myself feeling kind of bad about some of the things that were said. Oh and I only felt bad for about a minute. 🙂 Were these people talking about the kind of quilting that I do and enjoy so much??? Probably. BUT I could care less. Thank God for Eleanor Burns because I wouldn’t be quilting today if it wasn’t for her simplicity. I love this quilting journey I’m on and it’s MY journey. Everyone has to start some place. Thanks for the great post.
At first when this “dumbing down” and other business went down, I thought to myself, “wow, this is silly and these people have far too much time in their hands.” BUT after the dust settled, I found myself feeling kind of bad about some of the things that were said. Oh and I only felt bad for about a minute. 🙂 Were these people talking about the kind of quilting that I do and enjoy so much??? Probably. BUT I could care less. Thank God for Eleanor Burns because I wouldn’t be quilting today if it wasn’t for her simplicity. I love this quilting journey I’m on and it’s MY journey. Everyone has to start some place. Thanks for the great post.
Well said Nicole, looks like a lot of people agree also. I just love to play with fabric. I don’t mind if it is big pieces, small pieces, triangles, squares, curved, whatever. I have made Turning Twenty and Yellow Brick Road, etc., and I absolutely love pinwheel designs. All simple patterns, but they make beautiful quilts and make the recipients smile. What could be better than that? Disappearing Nine Patch is my go-to favorite for charity quilts. I have also made more complicated quilts, including a hand-pieced Double Wedding Ring and I have another in progress. If I am going to spend that much time on a complicated quilt pattern, I want to be sure that it has a home where it is appreciated.
There will always be the purist quilters and snobs as some have said. I am in awe of the work I see when I go to major quilt shows, but I have no desire to be a competition quilter. I think the majority of quilters just want a hobby to enjoy and share with others. The simple patterns fill a need for people with busy lives. If not, there would not be a market for them and pattern companies would not be publishing them if there were not a market!
Well said Nicole, looks like a lot of people agree also. I just love to play with fabric. I don’t mind if it is big pieces, small pieces, triangles, squares, curved, whatever. I have made Turning Twenty and Yellow Brick Road, etc., and I absolutely love pinwheel designs. All simple patterns, but they make beautiful quilts and make the recipients smile. What could be better than that? Disappearing Nine Patch is my go-to favorite for charity quilts. I have also made more complicated quilts, including a hand-pieced Double Wedding Ring and I have another in progress. If I am going to spend that much time on a complicated quilt pattern, I want to be sure that it has a home where it is appreciated.
There will always be the purist quilters and snobs as some have said. I am in awe of the work I see when I go to major quilt shows, but I have no desire to be a competition quilter. I think the majority of quilters just want a hobby to enjoy and share with others. The simple patterns fill a need for people with busy lives. If not, there would not be a market for them and pattern companies would not be publishing them if there were not a market!
Well said! Thanks for eloquently stating your viewpoint. I agree with you:)The term dumbing down is so harsh. There are times when I sawing with my quilting friends that we can only do mindless stitching. We talk too much to do anything complicated. That time together is a treasure.
Well said! Thanks for eloquently stating your viewpoint. I agree with you:)The term dumbing down is so harsh. There are times when I sawing with my quilting friends that we can only do mindless stitching. We talk too much to do anything complicated. That time together is a treasure.
I’m happy for the people who are happy making simple quilts, but the people who are making simple quilts and complaining about it frustrate me. I’ve heard a few variants on “I’m scared to do anything involving triangles” (has been sewing squares/strips together for 20 years) and “I can’t afford to take classes so I will never get to do such and such.”
There absolutely is a point where your attitude about what’s hard and what’s easy is part of the problem, and you’ve not only built your own mental blocks, but you’re trying to build them for the next generation, too.
I’m happy for the people who are happy making simple quilts, but the people who are making simple quilts and complaining about it frustrate me. I’ve heard a few variants on “I’m scared to do anything involving triangles” (has been sewing squares/strips together for 20 years) and “I can’t afford to take classes so I will never get to do such and such.”
There absolutely is a point where your attitude about what’s hard and what’s easy is part of the problem, and you’ve not only built your own mental blocks, but you’re trying to build them for the next generation, too.
I never read the original post that started this all, and I read this post yesterday morning but one thing I thought of last night was as anyone addressed the actual quilting?
These simple, modern & not perfectly pieced quilts that must be driving this person mad, were probably quilted by the maker – not sent out to someone else.
I think we should just rejoice in the popularity of our hobby and support each other and learn from our differences rather than tearing down.
I never read the original post that started this all, and I read this post yesterday morning but one thing I thought of last night was as anyone addressed the actual quilting?
These simple, modern & not perfectly pieced quilts that must be driving this person mad, were probably quilted by the maker – not sent out to someone else.
I think we should just rejoice in the popularity of our hobby and support each other and learn from our differences rather than tearing down.
Here’s my view of it:
the original blog that started all this ruckus in the hen house: just jealousy.
on dumbing down of quilting: only someone without full time employment would have the time to actively advance their skills. The rest of us working women (and men) need the creative outlet from everyday stress, and simple or complex depends on how much free time and money we have to invest.
on everyone making the same pattern: I believe a lot of us can only dream of having fellow quilters to sit with in person, like the old time quilting bees. many of us are isolated from friendship and fellowship in person. making the same quilt online is a virtual quilting bee, if you ask me.
finally: anyone who feels the need to criticize other crafters, especially in hard economic times, whether those crafters are doing it for a living or for fun, is just a miserable person who needs therapy of the couch kind.
Here’s my view of it:
the original blog that started all this ruckus in the hen house: just jealousy.
on dumbing down of quilting: only someone without full time employment would have the time to actively advance their skills. The rest of us working women (and men) need the creative outlet from everyday stress, and simple or complex depends on how much free time and money we have to invest.
on everyone making the same pattern: I believe a lot of us can only dream of having fellow quilters to sit with in person, like the old time quilting bees. many of us are isolated from friendship and fellowship in person. making the same quilt online is a virtual quilting bee, if you ask me.
finally: anyone who feels the need to criticize other crafters, especially in hard economic times, whether those crafters are doing it for a living or for fun, is just a miserable person who needs therapy of the couch kind.
Has anyone seen unfinished quilts in antique stores and flea markets? Some of these quilts look like beginner quilters trying to make a quilt way too complicated for them. I wonder if this person just gave up completely and never tried to piece another quilt? How much better they learn on a “dumbed down” pattern and enjoy the process without becoming frustrated. I know, that was me in 1979. I saw a quilt pattern called Turkey Tracks in a needlecraft book. I had no one to advise me and you can guess what happened. I was undaunted however, and now have made more more quilts over the years than I can count. I don’t shy away from a challenge, but neither do I turn up my nose at the simple quilts, they give as much warmth and joy as any complicated quilt. Your family only feels the love you put into it and thats the way it should be.
Has anyone seen unfinished quilts in antique stores and flea markets? Some of these quilts look like beginner quilters trying to make a quilt way too complicated for them. I wonder if this person just gave up completely and never tried to piece another quilt? How much better they learn on a “dumbed down” pattern and enjoy the process without becoming frustrated. I know, that was me in 1979. I saw a quilt pattern called Turkey Tracks in a needlecraft book. I had no one to advise me and you can guess what happened. I was undaunted however, and now have made more more quilts over the years than I can count. I don’t shy away from a challenge, but neither do I turn up my nose at the simple quilts, they give as much warmth and joy as any complicated quilt. Your family only feels the love you put into it and thats the way it should be.