Having had the opportunity to see first hand the beauty of these quilts and the workmanship of the quilters, my hat is off to them. I totally enjoy what I do, but this is my stress buster. I try not to put constraints, time or otherwise on myself. So will I ever be an award winner, time will tell. However, in the meantime, I thoroughly enjoy viewing the work of others and appreciate all they have put into their work, and maybe pick up a thing or two!!!
Pat

No sour grapes here. I admire, applaud, and am in awe of the talented quilters who use their talents to create beautiful prize-winning quilts for all of the rest of us to enjoy. On the otherhand, those of us who in our hearts know that we were not blessed with that particular talent can still gain much satisfaction pursuing our passion for quilting. Isn't that why we're here on TQS?

I believe that it is wise to seek a job/profession doing what you do better than most. Therefore, I suppose it's wonderful for those folks who happen to be passionate about quilting and have the talent to create quilts better than most.

Nancy

I look at these quilts as works of art. I wouldn't ask Picasso, Monet or DaVinci if they had "real" jobs, so why should current day artists.
Many of the longarmers who now win the big prizes started out just like me-trying to earn a living. Doing what they do now took years of practicing and honing their craft.
I applaud their success, they've earned it.
eileenkny

I was able to see many of these winning quilts up close. It is amazing to see the workmanship. I am at awe of these quilters. I took every opportunity to ask the quilters questions about their creations. I use their beautiful quiltsas a chance to learn. I love to look at the quilt as a whole (the color, piecing, applique) and then to observe the stitching and how the space was filled. It really warms my heart to see their work. I can say that this is true whether I'm at a show like Houston or a local quilt guild show. I just love looking at quilts!!

NancyinSTL wrote:
A woman with some common sense!
I agree with you entirely.

Isn't it wonderful to see these wonderful quilts and learn from these dedicated winning quilters, for most of them do teach or write books that helps others learn their techniques? I love seeing them, and I am really happy to see art quilts have become an important part of the quilting world as well as traditional quilts.

So many developments in recent years have made it possible for every quilter to find their niche, kind of like a bunch of good writers finding their genre, and each succeeding in their own field.

Quilts intended primarily for art (both traditional and innovative), like any art, can speak to your soul, make you happy, warm in your heart, express a deep emotion, or enlarge your mind. Traditional quilts intended for traditional quilt uses can bring the love of the quilter to you to fill your heart with peace and love. What a great thing quilting is!

Neither is better than the other, they are just different.

I admire those who enter shows, get the blue ribbon and hopefully receive recognition for all their hard work. When looking at some of these prize wining quilts I realize that yes, if you have time you can develop your skills, but I also believe that like any art form, it's a God given gift. Quilting is my passion, second only to my family, and with each new project I enjoy it more and more. I don't expect I will ever win an award at a big show, but I'm so greatful to those who dedicate themselves to doing so. I look at these works of art and I'm continually inspired. As for sour grapes, I don't feel a bit of that. I'm just happy to be part of such an exiciting time and look forward to the next challenge.

We often hear that there's nothing better than making a living doing something you love. That may be true for some, but my experience tells me otherwise. Once your passion becomes a job, you are trying to please others rather than pleasing yourself, and working on a deadline rather than at your own pace. Soon you'll realize that you lose some of the joy that you once had and that others don't appreciate your work as much if they have to pay for it. That's why I no longer sew for money (I did a lot during high school & college) and have never created a quilt for money. When I'm asked, I simply reply, "You can't afford me".

I was just at a training class for work and we had to do a activity where every one in the class had to share with the group what their "best" recognition that they every recieved was. It brought some folks close to tears as they remembered something from the past that is still vividly sketched in their memory!

Surprisingly, none of the memories had anything to do with money or a cash bonus or reward. Everyone of the stories had to do with it was personally delivered (either a conversation or a written note), it was heart felt and it was not expected by the recipient.

The point of this activity was to show leaders that recognizing people in a heart felt, written or verbally, meaningful way can be very positively impacting on people.

I certainly am in awe of the quilts that win awards and cash prizes, and recognize that a lot of time, effort, experience and talent go into accomplishing those awards! And I am also aware that in life, the things that make an imprint on our heart are often wrapped in small and unknown (by others) packages.

Mary Kay

I love seeing the awesome quilts at shows, but in my heart I love the traditional quilts. The ones that are meant to be used and loved to death. I probably enjoy the process more than the product and make quilts to relieve stress....not to cause it! My "pay" is the look on someone's face when I gift a quilt to them, and photos of my loved ones wrapped up in my creations. The bonus is when a quilt comes back to me in tatters with a request to please fix it so it can be used a little longer!

It is great they have prizes for those who quilt for a living... but how about prizes for those that work outside of the business and still quilt...

I take that back I got a big sloppy kiss from my grand niece when I gave her a quilt out of the fabrics she picked.... Best Prize in the world.

Anna

Lorchen, I loved your remarks. I think I'm not competitive enough and I don't want quilting to become a "job." Oh, I also forgot to say--I'm not a designer like the top winners, either! It's amazing to see how quilting has grown in the 25 yrs. I've been quilting. Most of us were making wonderful traditional quilts--now most of the quilts are works of art. I'm truly amazed at the work people are doing now--and the prizes they win!!! :shock:

I get that feeling of frustration. I can't live without these quilts and inspiration the great quilters give us. It does make me dream and aspire to reach for the stars. But I also know the frustration to work to overcome my poor construction techniques and the sometimes very long learning curve for me. LOL I guess this is the part where we "suffer" for our art!

It is just so inspiring and enlightening to see what can be created. A quilt show of all mediocre quilts just would not cut it for me! I especially enjoy seeing what other people are doing in the craft that I love! "Sour grapes" is simply never a description of how these incredible quilts and their artists effect me. But sometimes I do feel humbled!