Louise wrote:
I am often discouraged as I know that I will never be creative enough to be in a big competition. At some local quilt shows--I know my work is as good, if not better than some. So, I enter my quilts at the local county fair and, more times than not, I win a ribbon. Many times--first place. Oh, but this was exciting; I was invited to put two of my quilts in a local art show (my daughter thinks I am an artist so she gave then my name) and then someone saw my quilts and called and asked me to display two of my quilts at a local library for a month. Really quite a thrill.

I love going to quilt shows but I come away with the opposite reaction - I look at them and think "Wow, I could do that!" and the thing is. most of us can if we only try. Many of the quilts are gorgeous but when you get closer you can see the places where the stitching is uneven and the pattern pieces didn't quite go together. So I walk away full of ideas, not with the feeling that they were somehow better than me at quilting!

That wonderful clear monofilament thread is so very, very forgiving!

So true.....quilt shows are definitely inspiring. I long ago quit being discouraged by what I was seeing. I guess it is partly being comfortable with yourself and why you quilt in the first place. I love to look at the creative ways people are showing their skills. As for me, I'll never reach that level. I just quilt because I love it. Once in awhile I try something new and different by taking a class. In the meantime, I love going to shows and I greatly admire those who put their quilts out there for all of us to enjoy. And don't forget the TQS "quilt show/gallery" that we can enjoy daily.

Louise..... You described it to a T!

I use to go to quilt shows and get irritated at all the art quilts. I asked where are the REAL (traditional) quilts? Now many years later I love the art quilts and like the idea of embellishment. I crossed over from cross stitch and I loved the specialty stitches and beading. So why I didn't land in the art quilt area first is a mystery.

Barbara/NC (Anxiously waiting for Houston)

I'm just sort of thinking outloud after reading some of the comments about the best advice you ever got as a quilter. Much of the advice centered around just enjoying what you're doing and not worrying about what others think.

It got me thinking about my reaction when I attend quilt shows -- especially the big national ones. I always have mixed feelings after looking at the absolutely gorgeous quilts that are on display. I am both encouraged and discouraged at the same time. I'm encouraged to be creative by looking at the beautiful examples before me, but I'm also discouraged by the fact that my skills will never measure up to those great examples. Of course, the discouragement only lasts a short while. I usually get right back into doing my own thing and not worrying about what any one else thinks. I wonder, however, if anyone else ever has the same reaction at a quilt show.