It's something I've thought about though - what validates me as a serious quilter? Do I have to consistently create bed-sized quilts? I think not. I once had a white board above my sewing machine, and among other things there was a set of measurements and two words - 68X72 TOO BIG. In the early days of machine quilting, it was a reminder to me that a quilt bigger than that was a struggle - basically beyond what I was comfortable quilting. With time and experience, my 'too big' measurements have grown, but still, the bigger the quilt, the more frustration I feel. For that reason plus the simple fact that smaller projects keep my interest and thus get finished quicker, I often choose to make lap-size quilts and smaller. That way the whole process is easier to handle, a comfortable canvas on which to try new techniques or just sew for the fun of it. So yeah, I'll make the occasional big quilt, but mostly, you'll find me embracing projects somewhat smaller. So just be warned. They may look bigger on Instagram.
Hehe. I love this so much. I tend to *go big or go home* unintentionally so often, mine are the opposite. :D
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty funny. And your quilts are always stunning. I have finally made myself realize that not every quilt I make has to be queen size. It's very freeing to accept that reality.
ReplyDeleteIt is no matter to me if your quilts are large or small. They are lovely and modern and provide so much inspiration to me, and, I'm sure, many others.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I must say this....be it ribbing or joking, when women make the sorts of statements you describe (blogging frequently, the size of your pieces, matched binding) to other women, it offends me. I think it's passive/aggressive and not at all positive. Women need to support each other and not try to challenge or question the creative works of others, most especially the endeavors of friends.
YES!!
DeleteMost of my quilts are lap size or smaller. For the same reasons you mention. I love these projects - make what works for you!
ReplyDeleteHa ha!! Love that. I also tend to go lap sized or baby quits these days and I quite enjoy it. I don't think the quilt has to be huge to be a success, and just like you, I lose interest if it's too big. Love the picture of you holding the quilt, so lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour post title really caught my attention. It's nice to see the size reference when you're in the photo. I love all your work regardless of size and totally see how working smaller is a great way to explore new things. I'm hoping to do that more this year. I feel like you in that bigger quilts can become quite a struggle. I'm trying to wrap up the piecing of my queen size top and will be sending it out for quilting. I'm anxious to get to something smaller and more manageable for me.
ReplyDeleteToo bad we try to make either other justify our choices. I've made some big quilts and no doubt will again, but mostly I work on wall size or runners, etc. because that's what I like and what fits with my life. I love reading your blog and am inspired by your creativity, so glad to hear you're going to follow your own path!
ReplyDeleteYou can quilt any size you want! That makes you a textile artist. You have chosen quilting as your medium. And you are allowed to express yourself any way you want! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the smile today. I, too, make lap size or smaller simply because they are more practical living in Texas. Your work is stunning and always makes me think. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI thought only non-quilters said that! I make a lot of small quilts too - I like starting projects and getting a quick finish. This is a hobby for me, not about making quilts for a bed.
ReplyDeleteToo funny!
ReplyDeleteIt is funny you say this because I have commented in the past that Red Pepper Quilts and Film in the Fridge (Both prolific quilters) in reality make what are considered smaller quilts... so I would say you are in very good company! I prefer making smaller as well for my own sanity, but have started designing bigger ones in hopes that they will sell better... not because I like making them LOL!
ReplyDeleteI think that is smart. Knowing exactly what you are comfortable with and what your machine is capable of make sense. I pretty much do the same thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I love that you blog, and post to IG, and Pin. You always give me great ideas!! Keep dong what you're doing.
I love your quilting - you inspire me. I like that you have the courage to try new techniques and that you share them on your blog. I also think quilters should make what they like and what they are comfortable doing. Quilting is one area where size really doesn't matter! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you! Lap quilts are awesome. I can make and magically finish a smaller quilt. Then it's on to the next project.
ReplyDeleteHaha! What is funny to me about your timing of this, is that I just left a comment on Melissa Cory's latest post, that her quilts looked waaaay bigger with her standing next to them! Funny! :)
ReplyDeleteYou have always been an inspiration to me Deb, I love your quilts and don't care what size they are. It's not a competition. Keep doing it exactly the way you are. Your friends are just envious of your beautiful, creative work!!
ReplyDelete"What validates me as a serious quilter?"
ReplyDelete(1) You don't need validation;
(2) It makes no difference if you're serious or not serious, as long as YOU are happy with what you make;
(3) Make whatever you want, at whatever size you want, in whatever colours or shapes;
(4) Account to no one but yourself.
DOWN WITH THE QUILT POLICE :).
Your post got me thinking... I personally only do quilts which I can snuggle into, they're about Queen size (60x80''), which is fairly big I guess. But that's also the reason why I'm working on one quilt for such a long time. Maybe I should down size and start to play a bit more! I love all your quilts regardless the size and I also love that you play around and constantly try out new things. That's what defines you as a quilter. Keep on Searching, be curious, think outside the box and be an inspiration to us all!
ReplyDelete