food for thought

Criticizing your work...

Today as I was catching up on my Google Reader, I read the below by Kristen.
She was a featured quilter a little while back and you'll more then likely find her at all the Modern Domestic sewing nights working on something cool.

"One of the first things they told us in design school was not to criticize our own work in front of others. Our teacher told us that we had to stand behind our work, because no one else would. They also said that pointing out errors was the best way to get others to notice them, so, in essence, keep your mouth shut about any mistakes you may have made.

It's a hard mindset to get out of. I hesitate to point out things I find wrong with this quilt because of it. Quilting has a lot in common with graphic design, but it differs in that there is an element of sharing success, and commiserating over failure. Quilting is a community, rather than just a business. No one is grading me here, and there is no client to be pleased other than myself, so it would be alright to mention some pretty significant mistakes in the construction of this quilt.

Maybe I'll just let it go and remind myself to keep working on my precision and craftsmanship. All in all, I like the thing."
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Kristen.  I think this is a great reminder for all of us.  Especially during show and tell! I know of several individuals who didn't share last time.  You know who you are!  :D

Enjoy the rest of the rainy weekend everyone!

Rossie of Fresh Modern Quilts gave a lecture on modern quilting. She describes it as:

"This lecture on modern quilting describes my journey as well as giving the lay of the modern-quilting land. I cover what I see as some key aesthetics of modern quilts, I ponder the appropriateness of the term "modern" as it applies to quilts, and generally get nerdy on a number of topics that relate---in my brain, anyway--to modern quilting.  Among them: wabi sabi, simultaneity, linen clocks, and Bewitched."

An hour long video about modern quilting.
An hour?
Yes.
And ever bit worth it.
Grab some tea, coffee or whatever you drink and have a listen.

You can watch it here:
http://vimeo.com/14680699

Modern Quilters: growing and learning together

As the officers of the Portland Modern Quilt Guild gather information from members, one thing is crystal clear: Portland Modern Quilters want to be inspired, have fun, meet other quilters, and learn and grow together.  

Molly's Wonky Log Cabin/Joan Callaway
Some have experienced strong support and encouragement from other quilters in the past, but some have felt discouraged by quilting instructors or shop owners along the way.  Jacquie (Tallgrass Prairie Studio) has a must read post on her blog today featuring her reaction and response to the questions and discouragement of a new sewer/quilter.

Have you been discouraged rather than encouraged by a more experienced sewer/quilter?  Are you mentoring/encouraging new sewers/quilters?