Quilting is an art that requires a lot of patience and practice. It can be easy to compare yourself to other quilters on social media, but the truth is that you don’t have to be perfect to make beautiful quilts. Here are some tips and reminders for when you need a pick-me-up and a bit of encouragement and avoid frustration!
It’s okay to make mistakes
Remember, it’s okay if you make mistakes sometimes! We all mess up, and learning from our mistakes is part of the process. If you make a mistake while quilting, don’t beat yourself up about it. Take a deep breath, recognize what went wrong, and use it as an opportunity to grow and learn something new. By being kinder to yourself during these moments, you will become more resilient in the face of adversity in the future.
And remember to be patient! Quilting is a skill that takes time to develop. Some pick up the skill faster than others, but that doesn’t mean you have to be frustrated with yourself if you don’t. Don’t give up, and commit to learning! Solicit advice from fellow quilters and soak up knowledge! Look for tips on social media and the internet!
Say no to FOMO
FOMO (fear of missing out) can literally suck the life out of you, and not just with quilting! I have always tried to avoid being jealous or envious of anyone I see, particularly on social media. But I know this can really be hard for some people. Very understandable if you think about it. We see perfect sewing rooms, beautiful machines, gorgeous fabric stashes that look like small fabric shops, perfect quilts, and perfect homes for those perfect quilts. Do you see where I’m going with this? Of course, we may want these things, but
Focus On Your Own Progress
Ahh, the dreaded comparison game. I have some fantastic advice for you (and myself), DON’T DO IT. Instead of comparing your progress with others, focus on what you’ve accomplished so far! No two quilters’ techniques or designs are alike; everyone has a unique style that makes their work special. Celebrate even the smallest accomplishments along your journey—like learning a new technique or mastering a tricky stitch—and be proud of how far you’ve come!
Another way to save yourself some frustration…remember, you NEVER know someone else’s story and how they got to where they are. I tell myself this when I’m tempted to compare myself to another quilter or their business.
You Don’t Have To Finish Right Away
There’s no rush when it comes to quilting; take your time and enjoy the process! If life gets busy or you’re feeling overwhelmed by a project, don’t worry about taking a break—you can always come back later when things slow down again. No one wants a dreaded unfinished project, but it’s better than pushing yourself too far. Give yourself permission to take your time; there’s no need for any pressure or expectations here. As my quilty friend @sparethreads constantly reminds me, give yourself some grace!
No matter where you are on your quilting journey, remember that perfection isn’t necessary, nor is comparison with others productive. The best thing we can all do is try our best every day, appreciate ourselves for our efforts, and celebrate each milestone reached along the way!
So next time you sit down for some quilting time, keep these affirmations in mind and remind yourself that improvement doesn’t come from comparison or perfectionism — just hard work! Enjoy every minute of it!
Drop me a comment and let me know how you say no to frustration in your quilting!
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