Nothing makes me happier than spending a few hours with my hoop in my lap.
I'm not the best quilter in the world. My stitches are average. My patterns are simple. There's nothing extraordinary about my quilts (although I hope to get to extraordinary level someday).
But none of that takes away from the pleasure I feel as I make a quilt.
While I certainly do the best job I can and continually strive to improve, I don't sweat the fact that I'm not the world's best quilter. You see, the only way to improve is to keep on quilting. No one starts out as an expert and there is no shame in being a beginner.
Attitude is everything when it comes to quilting, especially hand quilting. The joy MUST come from the process itself or you are basically wasting your time.
So to all of you who are beginners or who are still learning, keep on quilting. A quilt that comes from the heart is always beautiful! Don't apologize for the little imperfections. Take note and strive to improve with the next quilt. Quilt for the joy of quilting, to express your creativity and provide for your loved ones, not to impress anyone.
Sit down with your project as often as you can and leave the world behind. Stitch your cares away as you focus on the feel of the fabrics, the beautiful colors and the sound of the thread as it swooshes through the stitches. Then when you look at the finished project you will feel proud that your heart went into it.
I hope you find happiness in your hoop!
Gayla
