Thought of a cool end cap to the runner. So one more change and the top is once again finished. Off to buy fabric to bind it.
Are you the quilt police? A few years ago after joining a guild I got up during show and tell and showed a table runner that I had just finished. Someone in the crowd commented, “That’s not long enough to be a table runner!” Now I hate to get up in front of the group now because of the fear of such comments.
Here I am making another table runner and I encounter comments from my husband, didn’t you already make something like that? Uh, no…other than the other table runner was also a table runner. Different pattern, different fabric, plus I have made a few table runners. But I try and brush off the negative vibes.
Off to the quilt shop I go to find the perfect fabric for the border. Ok, so it wasn’t until I got to the third shop before I got close to what I wanted. I go into the back room with three bolts and ask if it alright to audition the fabric on the table back there. Sure go ahead was the answer I received. Laying my table runner out, I could sense that I was now the center of attention. For the women who were in the room talking about something else all of a sudden stopped to watch.
“That’s not a table runner! It’s too big! You must have a very big table!!” Is what I heard instead of what every quilter wants to hear…oh that looks so nice. So I mumble something about no, I don’t think it’s different than most tables. Then I had to hear her opinion on each of the fabrics I choose. And had to justify the one I decided on. Finally she agreed and I made my purchase.
In truth everyone in life has to endure criticism but I just never seem to be prepared to hear it in these circumstances. Some may say, it is good to get someone else’s point of view. Can’t disagree with that but I usually ask for it, then I’m ready to hear it. Art is a very different thing for me. If you decide what I should do, well then it’s not my art.
So, if you are the QUILT POLICE please wear your badge in quilt shops, at guild meetings and quilt shows. I will try my best to avoid you and your opinions. I love everything I make, it’s my art, it is a part of me. I am not new and am not looking to you for guidance or your approval. Your badge will be a sign to the world that you are a know it all. Congratulations on that accomplishment! Just say’in!
