Your Prefs

[Diana Curtis]

When you look though quilt magazines, online quilt sites, and through our
own member's photo albums, what attracts you to a particular quilt? Is it
mostly the type of quilt, be it traditional, modern/art, or new technique?
Do you find yourself drawn to a particular color/fabric combination? Do
you love quilts with lots of little pieces or bold fabric choices?
How does this influence the quilts you choose to make?
I love color play most. Quilts with lots of little bits impress me but I
dont feel the need to make them. Techniques are fun to learn and see made
but again, I dont feel a need to try them because in my quilts the color
play is more important.
Id love to hear your thoughts on this.
Diana

[Roberta Zollner]

Yes to all. Sigh. Just call me eclectic. Not that I feel driven to actually
make all of them (thank goodness), very often it's BTDT.
Roberta in D, Queen of the Scrap Heap

"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote in message
news:PKosc.1840$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net...

[handmaiden]

I love those with all the little pieces where the colors just flow so
perfectly. Meanwhile I live in the real world where I have been trying for
over a year just to get the pieces cut for one of my quilts and hope to
actually get around to finishing the hand quilting on a baby blanket started
3 years ago sometime this month. (will make a nice doll blanket for the
neighbor's daughter) Not a chance in heck I could ever get something that
intricate done.
I really enjoy seeing all types of quilts, but I tend to stick to the basics
of simple design and with a limited budget, I use mostly scraps that turn up
from various sources. Eventually, I will have more time and $$ I hope and
will get to try new and exciting patterns that will leave me tearing my hair
out at this point!
~handmaiden

--
handmaiden

"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote in message
news:PKosc.1840$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net...

[Julia Altshuler]

It used to be color. Then I realized I was pretty good at color myself.
Now I'm drawn to the quilts that use the worst materials and somehow
make them work in new and unusual ways. There will be a fabric that I
passed up because it was too ugly to live put into a quilt that's too
beautiful to be believed. I'm not drawn to realism though that doesn't
turn me off. Mostly now I'm attracted to line and design, quilts that
are impressive in their overall impact, the ones where the quilter
probably spent months planning it, then only a few days making it
because the technique is devestatingly simple while the idea behind it
is complex.

--Lia

[Shirley Ellen]

I've only been quilting for a year but so far it's colour and pattern both.
I love earth tones. I don't particularly like the scrappy look but I made
table runners in a scrappy way and I rather like them now. I had a heck of a
time trying to decide what colours to put where. I've been trying to
diversify myself and pick purposely different fabrics to try out but I find
that I don't quite enjoy working with them so much when they aren't my
taste. I have to admit, though, that I like pretty well everything I've made
so far. I really like the look of the 1930's quilts but haven't made one
yet. I bought a kit of Paris Flea Market material which is close but now I
look at the quilt on the wall of the shop and realize I was drawn only to
the fabrics, not to the pattern so I may try to go out on my own (scary
thought) and change the pattern. I want to experiment because I may find I
like something that I never dreamt I'd like. I also learned from the owner
of my LQS to choose one bright colour (even if it will be only a small bit
in the quilt) to give it punch.

I'm not crazy about geometrics or folk art and wouldn't make something like
that. I like the more traditional look.

Shirley

--
My Quilt Site
http://ca.geocities.com/meadow1951/index.html

Inspiring Thoughts
http://members.tripod.com/inspiring-thoughts/index.html

"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote in message
news:PKosc.1840$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net...

[Bonnie]

Color first, then design. I love to learn new patterns,
just to know I can do them. But the quilts that always
make me go Wow! involve color combination.

--
Bonnie, the Quilt Lady
NJ

[Diana Curtis]

Would it be possible for you to point us towards a picture of a quilt that
explains the 'more planning than sewing' concept? I believe I know what
youre talking about but a visual would help.
Diana

"Julia Altshuler" <jalts...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:OSpsc.36622$zw.21370@attbi_s01...

[Diana Curtis]

Its good to have goals, and a realistic attitude about what you can
accomplish right now.
I bet that doll quilt will be loved to bits when its done.
Diana

"handmaiden" <ja...@doe.org> wrote in message
news:yxpsc.8419$o97....@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...

[Sandy Foster]

In article <PKosc.1840$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net>,
"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote:

My first thought is color, also, Diana. That may or may not mean that
I'm immediately drawn to colors that I prefer -- it's the *use* of those
colors. For instance, in looking at Denise's pics (and I haven't
finished yet), there was a quilt that looked sort of woven, using shades
of magenta that seemed to "shadow" near the places where the rows went
under each other. Amazing.
--
Sandy in Henderson, near Las Vegas
my ISP is earthlink.net -- put sfoster1(at) in front
http://home.earthlink.net/~sfoster1

[Julia Altshuler]

Diana Curtis wrote:
> Would it be possible for you to point us towards a picture of a quilt that
> explains the 'more planning than sewing' concept? I believe I know what
> youre talking about but a visual would help.
> Diana

I'll try. Mostly I see quilts at shows and in magazines, not so much on
the web. One example springs to mind though it's not what I was
thinking of when I wrote earlier: Paula Nadelstern. The sewing is a
plain kaleidoscope which can have large pieces. The patterns created,
however, are intricate and fantastic.

Or look here for probably the best example:
http://www.carolannegrotrian.com/gallery/indigo/precip/precip.htm

Then go back and look at the whole site:
http://www.carolannegrotrian.com/index.htm

When I get around to wanting what I haven't got, it's Grotrian's ability
and talent. Look at those quilts. Some are made with very few pieces
of fabric. The hand dyeing is done with well known techniques. And
yet, I can't achieve what she has. A lot of what I admire is how
devestatingly simple the pieces are. I keep telling myself that it's
not magic, that anyone can learn (recalling Mrs. Inept and not wanting
to sound like her); then I shake my head in wonderment at what Grotrian
is able to achieve.

--Lia

[Denise G.]

Diana, gee, that's a hard question. My taste runs all over the place.
I've seen prize winning quilts that have left me cold, and humble ones
that wowed me.

I guess my overall initial impression would have to do with color and
how it is used. I like lots of color, pattern, and movement. Whimsy
catches my eye, too.

Denise in NH

[Lisa Ellis]

Diana Curtis wrote:

> When you look though quilt magazines, online quilt sites, and through our
> own member's photo albums, what attracts you to a particular quilt? Is it
> mostly the type of quilt, be it traditional, modern/art, or new technique?
> Do you find yourself drawn to a particular color/fabric combination? Do
> you love quilts with lots of little pieces or bold fabric choices?
> How does this influence the quilts you choose to make?

I am most drawn to quilts that I might make; scrap or multi fabric quilts.
I tend to like traditional patterns or varations of traditional patterns.
I really like to look at antique quilts as I get a lot of inspriation
from them.

lisae

[maryd (Oregon)]

Colors draw my attention first.

--
Mary
http://community.webshots.com/user/mardor1948

"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote in message
news:PKosc.1840$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net...

[clancy]

Definitely colour combinations first - then the pattern ... and I adore
appliqué so the more patterns I see for this method, the more apt I am to
buy a book or magazine.

Sharon (N.B.)
............................................................................
..........

"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote in message
news:PKosc.1840$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net...

[Donna in Idaho (remove invalid)]

Diana, I'm with you. I love color - the more vibrant the better. Batiks
the are just sewed into squares with no fancy piecing I love! I also find
that I really like pieced quilts with appliqued borders. Haven't ever made
one, but I love to look at them.
--
Donna in Idaho
Project Linus Boise/SW Idaho Coordinator
Website: http://donnakwilts.tripod.com/

Remove "invalid" to reply

"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote in message
news:PKosc.1840$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net...

[Marcella Tracy Peek]

In article <Xmqsc.1842$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net>,
"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote:

> Would it be possible for you to point us towards a picture of a quilt that
> explains the 'more planning than sewing' concept? I believe I know what
> youre talking about but a visual would help.
> Diana
>

I'm not Lia...but I like Sarah Nephew's quilts for this reason. They
looks very complicated, but they are triangles and sewn in straight rows
- there's just the illusion of all those set in seams.

Pictures from her latest book here

http://www.clearviewtriangle.com/books/serendipity.html

marcella

[frood]

I'm drawn to color, especially in interesting combinations. Then I look to
see if the design is one that I could do, and would still interest me while
finishing it. Or, I look to see if it reminds me of a particular person.

I prefer pieced quilts to applique ones, both to look at others' and to do.
And I much prefer folk art or whimisical quilts over mega-pieced
masterpieces. I'd rather see part of the quilter in the quilt, instead of
precise contruction techniques. I love quilts that tell stories. Some quilts
tell stories unintended by the maker, and different stories to each viewer.

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote in message
news:PKosc.1840$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net...

[Patti]

Hullo Diana
The short answer is 'I don't know'!
I would find it easier to say what puts me off a quilt >g<
Colour combinations do certainly put me off quicker than anything else -
initial impact I suppose. I prefer subtlety to bravado.
For my own quilts, design is the most important thing for me, so I
suppose I am drawn to quilts with an interesting design - though it
doesn't have to be complex. E.g. I am fascinated by Yellow Brick Road
(and bought a pattern at Paducah!). I think I like to see that some
thought has gone into the various stages of the quilt. Sorry, these are
terribly vague things, but I find it too difficult to pin down.
.

In article <PKosc.1840$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net>, Diana Curtis

<mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> writes

--
Best Regards
pat on the hill

[Shona in NZ]

Well said Wendy! I was trying to think how I might answer this question and
then you went and did it for me :-)

At the moment, I am more drawn to art quilts, landscapes in particular, but
love any colourful quilt really. My favourite fabric artist at the moment
would have to be Dottie Moore.

Shona who is planning an apprenticeship with Dottie next year in NZ

"frood" <mam...@FangGriffinsFlight.com> wrote in message
news:kwssc.56862$V_.25...@twister.southeast.rr.com...

[DDM]

I think more of us can achieve the kaleidoscope because the fabric really
does all the work... well except for that tricky part where we have to get
all the cutting and all the seam allowances exact so it will go together
properly. We don't have to be as artistic to be successful. Grotian's work
on the other hand is very artistic and it isn't just the fabric that
achieves that. For another very talented artist that would fit in this
category have a look at Esterita Austin's work.
http://www.esteritaaustin.com/gallerymain.htm I don't know enough about
scale and proportion and shadows and such to do what they are doing. It's
like comparing stick figures to portraits.

Dee in LeRoy, NY

"Julia Altshuler" <jalts...@comcast.net> wrote in message

news:IFqsc.109861$iF6.9882572@attbi_s02...

[the black rose]

Color, color, and more color -- bold contrast and interesting effects
with shading, and quilts that do more with less. I don't like muddy
quilts. I want to SEE the pattern.

Technique doesn't matter. I generally don't like applique unless they
do something clever with color though. Traditional, modern, art quilts,
anything will stand out to me if color or shading is used to best effect.

Diana Curtis wrote:

--
the black rose, wench with a wrench
proud to be owned by a yorkie
http://community.webshots.com/user/blackrosequilts

[Sharon Harper]

Me too! I have no idea exactly "what" it is that makes me like a quilt. I
can see it one time and go "oooh that's pretty" and then see it again (or
another like it) and say "hmmmm not my taste". Lots of different things.

--
Sharon From Melbourne Australia (Queen of Down Under)
http://www.geocities.com/shazrules/craft.html

"Patti" <Pa...@quik.clara.co.uk> wrote in message
news:QMIUx3Cm...@from.is.invalid...

[Diana Curtis]

Sure its vague, but clear enough. Something catches our eyes, draws us to
particular quilts. Its interesting to hear what each of us has to say about
their own experiences.
There are quilts that keep their appeal over and over and some that seem to
be flashes in the pan for me too. Storm at Sea always looks inviting, and
Bourgoyne Surrounded ....simple shapes repeated in interesting ways. Even a
two color scheme can be stunning.
I guess there are no easy answers to this question. Its kind of like
asking someone why they like (dont like) chocolate, or Bach, or Buffy the
Vampire Slayer. But you know me... I have to ask. :-)
Diana

"Sharon Harper" <shar...@optusnet.com.au> wrote in message
news:40b27fb7$0$1583$afc3...@news.optusnet.com.au...

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[Kate Dicey]

Diana Curtis wrote:

Colours, mostly - then the organization of shapes. I like graded
colours and high contrasts, and sinuous shapes and TRIANGLES! Stars are
good too. :)

--
Kate XXXXXX
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!

[Julia Altshuler]

I think it is an important question. Whenever someone who is past the
begining stage asks me how she can improve her quilting, I tell her to
go to a show, find a quilt she especially likes (could be her favorite
but choosing a favorite is hard so any quilt that attracts her) and ask
herself what she likes about it and what the quiltmaker is doing that
she isn't. Then listen to the answer and start doing it.

If she goes to the show and discovers that her favorite quilts all have
brighter colors, then she needs to brighten up her stash. I remember
the lightbulb moment when I realized that I was using ALL bright colors
in my quilts while my favorites at the show had more muted tones
supporting the brights for a better effect. I made myself go out and
buy neutrals. It is still a struggle to do that.

The answer to what others are doing that the viewer is not could be
almost anything. It might be better workmanship. If chopped off points
are detracting from a quilt's beauty, then learn how to make perfect
points.

Another time I realized that my favorite quilts all had quilting designs
that looked like they'd been planned from the start, not added on as an
afterthought the way mine were. I started considering the quilting more.

It is funny that you specifically mention Burgoyne Surrounded and Storm
at Sea. Those are the 2 traditional patterns that I mean to make some
day. There's something about those two that attract me, and I think
you've got it right. It is the way those simple shapes interact that I
like so much.

--Lia

[DDM]

Like so many others I'm attracted by the colors. All the bright pretty
ones. :)

Dee in LeRoy, NY

"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote in message
news:PKosc.1840$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net...

[Diana Curtis]

In both Storm and B. Surrounded, at least the ones I have seen , the fabric
seems to be a supporting cast member rather than the star. Or perhaps the
design and fabric support one another equally. In a quilt such as the stack
and wacks the fabric is meant to shine, as is the watercolor type. But
within the confines of the patterns of those two quilts there is the
possibilty of worlds of expression, just by the colors one chooses and how
one decides to quilt them.
I agree with the idea that it is an important question to ask oneself. To
ask ourselves what we like or dislike about a particular quilt can help us
to make quilts which please us to work on and love when finished.
Diana

"Julia Altshuler" <jalts...@comcast.net> wrote in message

news:Gswsc.38076$zw.3635@attbi_s01...

[Mary in Rock Island IL]

I like to see something different. Perhaps it is a new to me fabric,
maybe a unique design or a different way of assembling traditional
blocks. Maybe it is colors that one doesn't often see together but
are eye catching. I really don't want to copy anything like this but
hope to draw inspiration for my own projects.

Mary

[Pati Cook]

I am drawn to things that are "different". Some may be color combinations, or
unusual ways to combine blocks, or non-standard ways to manipulate traditional
blocks. Love to experiment, and lately have been thinking about
miniatures..... which gets back to tiny pieces.
All sorts of things draw me to different quilts, which is a good thing, I
think. I can go through a magazine I have read thoroughly and still find
something "new" in it.

Pati, in Phx.

[Ellison]

Howdy!
Design.
Not just "pattern", but the DESIGN,
the entire effect, the Finished project, whether it
be the block, a small wallhanging, or a good-sized quilt,
it's the DESIGN that gets my attention first.
This includes the pattern and the use of color; it all has to
be there to get my attention.
No particular era, style, or technique is excepted;
I like quilts from all genres. DESIGN rules for me.
And then I decide whether or not I can make it,
whether it's worth my time and further attention. Which
leads to me adding my own touch when it's *my* quilt.
I don't often follow specific patterns, and don't take classes;
I make my quilt my own. ;-)
That's what gets my attention when I look at a quilt in a magazine.

Ragmop/Sandy

"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote in message

news:ULwsc.1849$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net...

[NightMist]

On Mon, 24 May 2004 10:44:12 -0500, "Diana Curtis"
<mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote:

>When you look though quilt magazines, online quilt sites, and through our
>own member's photo albums, what attracts you to a particular quilt? Is it
>mostly the type of quilt, be it traditional, modern/art, or new technique?
>Do you find yourself drawn to a particular color/fabric combination? Do
>you love quilts with lots of little pieces or bold fabric choices?
>How does this influence the quilts you choose to make?
> I love color play most. Quilts with lots of little bits impress me but I
>dont feel the need to make them. Techniques are fun to learn and see made
>but again, I dont feel a need to try them because in my quilts the color
>play is more important.

Hmmmm...thinkthinkthink

This is hard to explain because of the way I "see".
I have had some art appreciation and aesthetics education and indeed
am an artist myself. I look at quilts in much the same way I look at
a painting. Overall composition first, then the interaction of
values, tonal variations etc. Then I will start looking at things
like technique and execution. I have noticed that some quilts work
_because_ the person who made it flattened points, or wobbled a bit in
the quilting, or some such. Sometimes a mistake adds a degree of
interest, or alters a pattern in such a way as to make an otherwise
dull quilt into something vibrant and interesting.

I really like looking at the assorted variations of traditional pieced
patterns. I think because "everybody knows" what they are supposed to
look like, that making them stand out from amongst the other similar
quilts can be more of a challenge.

I love looking at art quilts, though the ones that stand out to me are
seldom the ones that take ribbons. One of kiri's friends brought some
pictures from the Dairy Barn show of a few years back when she came to
visit. Of the quilts I thought were outstanding, two took lesser
ribbons. I thought that that year's award of excellence in
particular, to be dull and lifeless though flawlessly executed.

I am the sort who will design the quilt, and then if I need to learn a
new technique to make it I do that. Overall design seems to be the
number one thing for me. I am not especially fond of the cutesy
craftsy types of things, tending to lean more toward the dramatic or
arty. That doesn't stop me from running up a scrappy quilt in a trad
pattern. It does cause me to kick myself and say things like, " What
on earth possesed me to put that dark green next to that dark blue
over there? They should have been seperated by at least 2 lighter
blocks!"

Oh, and triangles!
If I am doing a quilt just because I want to, I must have triangles or
diamonds or curves or something. This often gets me in deeper than I
expected.

NightMist
If I never bit off more than I could chew I would never learn anything
--
"It's such a gamble when you get a face"
- Richard Hell

[Patti]

Those quilts are certainly beautiful Lia. I can see why you are
attracted to them.
However, I do not agree that "anyone can learn".
Yes, perhaps most people could learn how to put one of those pieces
together; but I do not believe one can 'learn' how to get the pictures
to come into your head in the first place. That is a talent and a gift,
and not a learned skill - in my opinion. Would that it were!
.
In article <IFqsc.109861$iF6.9882572@attbi_s02>, Julia Altshuler
<jalts...@comcast.net> writes

--

[Patti]

How very interesting that you should say this particular thing, Wendy;
because the many pieces, and precise construction techniques, *are* a
real reflection of the person that is me. If I were to 'try' to do a
scrappy quilt, or a soft-edged appliqué (as I gather raw edged is now
called >g<), *I* would not be in the quilt at all.

In article <kwssc.56862$V_.25...@twister.southeast.rr.com>, frood
<mam...@FangGriffinsFlight.com> writes
snipped

>And I much prefer folk art or whimisical quilts over mega-pieced
>masterpieces. I'd rather see part of the quilter in the quilt, instead of
>precise contruction techniques.

--

[muse9]

Colors and the way they are put together. It seems like the right color
combination can make or break a quilt. This is something I am still very
nervous about.

Bonnie

"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote in message

news:PKosc.1840$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net...

> When you look though quilt magazines, online quilt sites, and through our
> own member's photo albums, what attracts you to a particular quilt? Is it
> mostly the type of quilt, be it traditional, modern/art, or new technique?
> Do you find yourself drawn to a particular color/fabric combination? Do
> you love quilts with lots of little pieces or bold fabric choices?
> How does this influence the quilts you choose to make?
> I love color play most. Quilts with lots of little bits impress me but I
> dont feel the need to make them. Techniques are fun to learn and see made
> but again, I dont feel a need to try them because in my quilts the color
> play is more important.

[Sharon Harper]

Oh man! Does she have a book or teach or something? I too have always
adored landscape quilts but any of my attempts turn out looking like a
pre-schoolers drawing compared to hers. Wow.

--
Sharon From Melbourne Australia (Queen of Down Under)
http://www.geocities.com/shazrules/craft.html

"Patti" <Pa...@quik.clara.co.uk> wrote in message

news:JJXCA0Aa...@from.is.invalid...

[georg]

Diana Curtis wrote:
> When you look though quilt magazines, online quilt sites, and through our
> own member's photo albums, what attracts you to a particular quilt? Is it
> mostly the type of quilt, be it traditional, modern/art, or new technique?
> Do you find yourself drawn to a particular color/fabric combination? Do
> you love quilts with lots of little pieces or bold fabric choices?
> How does this influence the quilts you choose to make?

Bold color contrast always strikes me. Good quilting impresses me- and
that so rarely photographs well. Patterns I haven't seen before usually
catch my eye. I like reproductions that are true to style, modern
color/design play, pictures/stories, and generally stuff I haven't seen
before. Handwork and embellishments appeal.

What turns me off are quilts that don't have a lot of contrast so they
appear muddied, and florals that become the central purpose of the quilt
(the latter is just because I really don't like florals). I do like
flower pictures and landscapes and Baltimore albums, however.

-georg

[Julia Altshuler]

Sharon Harper wrote:
> Oh man! Does she have a book or teach or something?

http://www.carolannegrotrian.com/classes/index.html for classes.

I checked Amazon for books and found nothing.

--Lia

[Julia Altshuler]

Patti wrote:

> However, I do not agree that "anyone can learn".
> Yes, perhaps most people could learn how to put one of those pieces
> together; but I do not believe one can 'learn' how to get the pictures
> to come into your head in the first place. That is a talent and a gift,
> and not a learned skill - in my opinion. Would that it were!

Interesting question. Maybe it should go in its own thread. Can anyone
learn?

If artistic ability is ONLY a matter of talent, then there's no point in
all those quilt classes we all take and teach. Why bother if we can't
learn from them?

If artistic ability has nothing to do with talent, then the hardest
working quilters would be the best, and I've seen ample evidence of that
not being the case. I've seen hand quilted quilts that must have taken
years of work that aren't that wonderful because the design choices were
bad in the first place.

I know I can learn because my latest quilts are far better than my
earlier ones. I also believe I'll never be as good as McDowell or
Grotrian. It is that which accounts for what I call the "sinking
feeling in my stomach." I get it after every show I attend. I walk
around in awe of the sheer beauty surrounding me and feel inadequate for
a week afterwards. Then slowly I pick myself up and dust myself off,
read the notes I took on the back of my program on specific points of
how I can improve my design, and get back to work.

--Lia

[Mel Rimmer]

In article <ZPFsc.57174$gr.5626619@attbi_s52>, Julia Altshuler
<jalts...@comcast.net> writes
>

>I know I can learn because my latest quilts are far better than my
>earlier ones. I also believe I'll never be as good as McDowell or
>Grotrian. It is that which accounts for what I call the "sinking
>feeling in my stomach." I get it after every show I attend.

I'd be willing to bet that McDowell and Grotrian get that same feeling.
I have a pet theory that the people we admire (and who make us feel
inadequate) have people whom THEY admire, and make them feel inadequate.
You might admire one person's colour choices, but she'd sigh with relief
that you didn't notice her piecing. There's someone else whose piecing
she envies sinfully. But *that* person has nightmares about everyone
laughing at her quilting. And so on.

In some ways it's what makes us strive to be better than we are. It's a
problem when a) we're paralysed into doing nothing because "I'll never
be as good as her", and b) we can't see what it is we *are* good at. By
all means work on your weaknesses to improve them. But never stop
working on your strengths because you can develop them into something
really fine.

--
Mel Rimmer

[georg]

Julia Altshuler wrote:

> If artistic ability is ONLY a matter of talent, then there's no point in
> all those quilt classes we all take and teach. Why bother if we can't
> learn from them?

Quilt classes rarely teach artistic ability. They seem to be more
focused on teaching a technique or pattern, or explaining color theory.
Your ability is your own skill- you can only learn ways of expanding
your skillset and vision- what you do with these tools is up to you.

The hardest part is coming up with something original in the first place.

-georg

[Bonnie]

Diana Curtis wrote:

> There are quilts that keep their appeal over and over and some that seem to
> be flashes in the pan for me too. Storm at Sea always looks inviting, and
> Bourgoyne Surrounded ....simple shapes repeated in interesting ways. Even a
> two color scheme can be stunning.

Hi Diane,
I'm terrible at remembering the quilt names. Do you know
where I can see these quilts? TIA
--
Bonnie, the Quilt Lady
NJ

[DebsPrintOnIt]

The pattern or design is what draws me. I love Caryl Bryer Fallert's work and
Linda Schmidt and Karen Combs and others. What I choose to make, though, are
fairly simple pieced projects, mostly from a pattern.
Debra in Idaho

[frood]

Thank you for your polite response to my oaf-ish remark! I certainly meant
no offense, but I was thinking (and writing) from a narrow point of view.
Why don't you come over and bring some quilts. I'll put some coffee on and
get out the good chocolate, and you can show me the soul of your quilts! :-)

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

"Patti" <Pa...@quik.clara.co.uk> wrote in message

news:cJPHA+B6...@from.is.invalid...

[Julia Altshuler]

Bonnie wrote:

> I'm terrible at remembering the quilt names. Do you know where I can
> see these quilts? TIA

Not the best pictures on the Internet but the fastest (the ones I found
first).

http://www.divineimages.com/prod/it59/3113/BURGOYNE/SURROUNDED/QUILT/BOOK/QUILT/DAY.htm
http://www.quilta.com/burgoyne.html
http://www.quilterscache.com/A_C/BurgoyneSurroundedBlock.html
http://www.quilt.com/Blocks/StormAtSea/StormatSeaDirections.html
http://blockcentral.com/stormatsea.shtml
http://www.bunchofbloomers.com/quilt_stormatsea.shtml

Actually that last storm at sea is quite nice.

I just looked at Burgoyne Surrounded again, drafted it on graph paper
which is the only way I understand a pattern well enough to do it, got
out my dark blue charm squares, chose and counted them, discovered I
have enough to do a scrappy blue Burgoyne Surrounded on a white
background and then decided I'm not interested in making it right now so
I put it all away. The Storm at Sea is a possibility though.

--Lia

[sdgodfrey]

Can we all learn to play the piano? Can we all play and compose like
Mozart, Beethoven, or Chopin?

I think it takes a combination of natural ability and perseverance (hard
work) to achieve the best. We each have our own degrees of each of
these. There are many very talented people who are too lazy (or
uninterested) to pursue their talents. There are those less talented
who work hard to achieve much. Find a hard worker with a lot of talent
and you have spectacular.

On a side note, a fellow quilter commented last week that I always did
such excellent work. I nearly fell out of my chair. She's not noted
for lots of compliments and I always see ALL the mistakes in my quilt,
considering I'm very much a beginner. I'm still wondering what she
wants. LOL

--
Sherri G in Kentucky (not much talent but works hard occasionally)
http://community.webshots.com/user/sdgodfrey

| Interesting question. Maybe it should go in its own thread. Can
anyone
| learn?
|
| If artistic ability is ONLY a matter of talent, then there's no point
in
| all those quilt classes we all take and teach. Why bother if we can't
| learn from them?

<snip>
| --Lia
|

[Marcella Tracy Peek]

I'm like you Patti. My itty bitty pieced quilts with every point
matching shows off my anal retentive self :-)

marcella

In article <cJPHA+B6...@from.is.invalid>,

[Marcella Tracy Peek]

In article <crFsc.84985$hY.2...@twister.nyroc.rr.com>,
georg <theg...@stny.rr.com> wrote:

> Diana Curtis wrote:
> > When you look though quilt magazines, online quilt sites, and through our
> > own member's photo albums, what attracts you to a particular quilt? Is it
> > mostly the type of quilt, be it traditional, modern/art, or new technique?
> > Do you find yourself drawn to a particular color/fabric combination? Do
> > you love quilts with lots of little pieces or bold fabric choices?
> > How does this influence the quilts you choose to make?

Depends on what I'm working on at the time. If I've been focusing on
applique then guess what quilts pop out at me?....same with color or
design or traditional blocks or miniatures or fabulous quilting.

Sometimes I'm just drawn to the weird ones :-)

marcella

[the black rose]

Marcella Tracy Peek wrote:
> I'm like you Patti. My itty bitty pieced quilts with every point
> matching shows off my anal retentive self :-)

*raises hand*

Guilty.

Actually, I often regard being a perfectionist as a pain in the neck
(sometimes literally). I *have* to work hard at matching points, for
example. I can't whip things off and be satisfied with "close enough,"
even when I want to be. I can't make a mistake and just ignore it, even
if I want to. It drives me crazy until I fix it. It's not so much a
choice as a compulsion.

--
the black rose, wench with a wrench
proud to be owned by a yorkie
http://community.webshots.com/user/blackrosequilts

[Diana Curtis]

Now, if we could scramble our two personalitys together we would make fast
perfect quilts, or ack! We could make agonizingly slow horribly wonky ones!
I would like to make perfect points and work hard to achieve them, but there
is a time when I realize that perfect is not within my grasp and to finish
will be ample reward. I think I saw a perfect point in one of my quilts
once. It shocked me. I dont know how I did it so there isnt likely to be a
repeat performance. At least I have consistency going for me.
Diana

"the black rose" <blackro...@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:W7Ksc.250981$M3.3...@twister.nyroc.rr.com...

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Version: 6.0.686 / Virus Database: 447 - Release Date: 5/15/2004

[frood]

Ok, in my own defense, I can say that it's not perfection that does not draw
me in. I can admire perfect points with the best of them. Some quilts,
perfect or not, seem to have no soul, however. They leave me feeling flat.
There is perfection with no soul, and there is technical expertise in a
quilt that sings. I like the singing ones.

It's more of a preference of style. I enjoy opera and classical music, but
I'd rather boogie woogie.

--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
de-fang email address to reply

"the black rose" <blackro...@netscape.net> wrote in message
news:W7Ksc.250981$M3.3...@twister.nyroc.rr.com...

[Kathy Applebaum]

"Marcella Tracy Peek" <marc...@peek.org> wrote in message
news:marcella-E07E48...@netnews.comcast.net...

> Sometimes I'm just drawn to the weird ones :-)

Hey, I resemble that! ;-)

--
Kathy A. (Woodland, CA)
longarm machine quilting, Queen of Fabric Tramps
http://www.kayneyquilting.com , mailto:Kat...@KayneyNOSPAMQuilting.com
remove the obvious to reply

[Patti]

Hullo Lia
You have 'joined' the two words that I believe in practice cannot be
joined. How interesting. You see, I believe one can be taught to have
ability (given a certain amount of relevant aptitude); but I don't
believe one can be taught to be 'artistic'. After years of academic
study and work, I discovered that I had 'creativity' - a huge joy to me
and a talent that I have been using gleefully ever since, both in
designing gardens and in quilting. However, I would never claim to be
artistic.
Ability, skill, dexterity - all those sorts of 'values' I think *can* be
learned.
Creativity, artistry (what is the correct abstract noun for artistic?
>g<), imagination - all these and similar, I don't think can be learned.
*But*, I do think one can learn how to use the first set, to enhance
whatever vestiges of the second set there are in oneself.

That is where the classes come in!

I used to get sinking feelings, and I was 'going to give up' time after
time, when I saw wondrous things. But, I can't run a marathon, I can't
run 100 yards in under 10 seconds and so on - I can't even really cook!!
So, I reason to myself that it doesn't matter if I can't make *those*
quilts, I make those I do make to the best of my ability and, if I
improve, terrific. That's all one can ask of oneself. Give yourself
the twenty years I have on you, and you'll reach the same conclusion I'm
sure!!
.
In article <ZPFsc.57174$gr.5626619@attbi_s52>, Julia Altshuler
<jalts...@comcast.net> writes

>Interesting question. Maybe it should go in its own thread. Can
>anyone learn?
>
>If artistic ability is ONLY a matter of talent, then there's no point
>in all those quilt classes we all take and teach. Why bother if we
>can't learn from them?
>
>
>If artistic ability has nothing to do with talent, then the hardest
>working quilters would be the best, and I've seen ample evidence of
>that not being the case. I've seen hand quilted quilts that must have
>taken years of work that aren't that wonderful because the design
>choices were bad in the first place.
>
>
>I know I can learn because my latest quilts are far better than my
>earlier ones. I also believe I'll never be as good as McDowell or
>Grotrian. It is that which accounts for what I call the "sinking
>feeling in my stomach." I get it after every show I attend. I walk
>around in awe of the sheer beauty surrounding me and feel inadequate
>for a week afterwards. Then slowly I pick myself up and dust myself
>off, read the notes I took on the back of my program on specific points
>of how I can improve my design, and get back to work.
>
>
>--Lia
>

--

[Julia in MN]

georg wrote:
> The hardest part is coming up with something original in the first place.

One of the things I love about quilting is that I can be creative
without being completely original. I can take a pattern and make it my
own simply by my choice of fabric. I suspect it would be nearly
impossible to come up with a completely new traditional pieced block
that no one had ever made before. But even when we use traditional
blocks, we add our own touches with the fabrics we use. I have never
purchased a kit to make a quilt because I like to be able to select my
own fabrics; this makes me feel that I have created something unique.

Julia in MN

--
This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus

http://mail.chartermi.net/~jaccola/

[~KK~ in B.C.]

Everything I sew/craft is an original in it's own way whether or not the
idea came from a pattern. I look at things, or read a pattern, and then off
I go in my own direction to do what I can or want to do with the ideas that
seep into my head. What fun would it be if everyone only followed directions
to the tee and made all the exact same stuff anyway? I prefer to be creative
in my thinking even if the original ideas came from something already made
or patterened<sp?>

Everyone's creations are always original in some way I think but of course
that is only MHO :)

~KK~ who has never completely followed a pattern or recipe of any sort in
her life.

--
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
'The road to success
is not a path you find,
but a trail you blaze.'
-- Robert Brault

"georg" <theg...@stny.rr.com> wrote in message
news:8oGsc.84992$hY.5...@twister.nyroc.rr.com...

[NightMist]

On Tue, 25 May 2004 11:09:45 GMT, Julia Altshuler
<jalts...@comcast.net> wrote:

>Patti wrote:
>
>> However, I do not agree that "anyone can learn".
>> Yes, perhaps most people could learn how to put one of those pieces
>> together; but I do not believe one can 'learn' how to get the pictures
>> to come into your head in the first place. That is a talent and a gift,
>> and not a learned skill - in my opinion. Would that it were!
>
>
>Interesting question. Maybe it should go in its own thread. Can anyone
>learn?
>
>If artistic ability is ONLY a matter of talent, then there's no point in
>all those quilt classes we all take and teach. Why bother if we can't
>learn from them?

This kind of question pops up frequently in the art group I read.

I think almost anyone who can learn and can work with their hands can
learn the technical aspects.

You can learn how to piece, applique, and quilt perfectly.
You can learn composition and color theory and apply it.

But that certain something that makes a thing in any media "art" is
something that can be neither taught nor learned. It cannot even be
adequetely defined. You either have it or you don't, and even you
don't know if you have it yourself.

Fortunately, quilting successfully requires something else entirely.
DH calls it "warm magic".

NightMist

[Marcella Tracy Peek]

In article <9OKsc.72792$lY1....@newssvr25.news.prodigy.com>,
"Kathy Applebaum" <Kat...@KayneyNOSPAMQuilting.com> wrote:

> "Marcella Tracy Peek" <marc...@peek.org> wrote in message
> news:marcella-E07E48...@netnews.comcast.net...
>
> > Sometimes I'm just drawn to the weird ones :-)
>
> Hey, I resemble that! ;-)

Me too! Must be why we get along ;-)

marcella

[Sharon Harper]

Thanks Lia!

--
Sharon From Melbourne Australia (Queen of Down Under)
http://www.geocities.com/shazrules/craft.html

"Julia Altshuler" <jalts...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:lHFsc.113207$iF6.10454640@attbi_s02...

[Kathy Applebaum]

"Marcella Tracy Peek" <marc...@peek.org> wrote in message

news:marcella-FC7D88...@netnews.comcast.net...

> Me too! Must be why we get along ;-)

That, and a deep love of chocolate. :)

[Patti]

Oh heavens! I didn't take it as oaf-ish at all, just as a comment. I
just thought it was such a good reflection of the different
personalities that you are and I am; and that would be why such things
that don't appeal to you, do appeal to me. You see, most people don't
flourish in a restricted, formal environment - there is a need for
freedom etc. For me I *do* flourish where I have 'rules' and so on. It
is funny, therefore, that I do not tend to follow patterns, but design
virtually all of my own quilts. If you think of the snowflake quilt
that you have just seen, all the quilting was done with the walking
foot, (with all the constraints that brings), because I am not good
enough at free-motion yet.
I would dearly love to come over with some of my pernickety quilts and
drink coffee and a chocolate caramel or two - then play with the twins!
Maybe next time?
(I have to tell you that last night I made a pink and blue log cabin
with a centre and two logs on each side - total size 1" square >ggg<.
If I go ahead with the planned quilt, there are 48 of those!)
.
In article <l3Isc.74992$jU.43...@twister.southeast.rr.com>, frood
<mam...@FangGriffinsFlight.com> writes

>Thank you for your polite response to my oaf-ish remark! I certainly meant
>no offense, but I was thinking (and writing) from a narrow point of view.
>Why don't you come over and bring some quilts. I'll put some coffee on and
>get out the good chocolate, and you can show me the soul of your quilts! :-)
>

--

[georg]

NightMist wrote:

> This kind of question pops up frequently in the art group I read.
>
> I think almost anyone who can learn and can work with their hands can
> learn the technical aspects.
>
> You can learn how to piece, applique, and quilt perfectly.
> You can learn composition and color theory and apply it.
>
> But that certain something that makes a thing in any media "art" is
> something that can be neither taught nor learned. It cannot even be
> adequetely defined. You either have it or you don't, and even you
> don't know if you have it yourself.
>
> Fortunately, quilting successfully requires something else entirely.
> DH calls it "warm magic".
>
> NightMist

Thank you for expressing it much clearer than I could.

-georg

[Diana Curtis]

This explains why the group that tried to imitate the Beatles never made it
big. ;-)
Diana

"NightMist" <nigh...@uir.zzn.com> wrote in message
news:40b36b56...@news.madbbs.com...

[Piglet]

The arts have long held a kind of weird spot in our minds. I don't know
when we got to the idea of "Janey doesn't have art talent, Janey can't draw,
shouldn't take art classes." Relatively recent, historically speaking: 19th
century and before, if you were affluent enough to be schooled for anything
more than very basic literacy and arithmetic, it was assumed you'd be taking
drawing classes. "No talent" had nothing to do with it.

When was the last time you heard someone say "Oh, Johnny doesn't have math
talent, we can't ever expect him to learn to add, shouldn't waste his time
in any math classes"?

We recognize that if Johnny doesn't have a flair for math, fair chance he'll
never be a math professor. Probably won't want to go as far as calculus
classes. But we certainly expect him to be capable of learning to be
*adequate* at mathematics, talent or no. Probably won't ever do as much
with it as Sam, who *does* have a flair for math, but is perfectly capable
of doing everyday math as needed.

Same is true for any of the arts. Anyone (barring mental/physical
handicaps) is capable of doing them adequately. As in any other field,
someone who is willing to combine hard work with natural talent will go
further than someone who only has hard work to bring with it---but someone
without a particular flair for it that works their butt off will still go
further than someone with a bucket of natural talent who just can't be
bothered to expend the effort. And they'll still do just fine.

Creative inspiration, on the other hand, comes in many flavors. We might
look at someone who thinks up a complex design in her head, draws it out and
executes it as being "inspired" and other folks aren't---but anyone who does
something not precisely to instructions (intentionally<g>) is still
creatively inspired. In quilting, that means "have you ever made a quilt
other than precisely to the pattern including using the *exact* fabrics
shown?" If you have, you've been creatively inspired. Changing the border,
using different colors, tweaking the layout---that's all creative
inspiration. Just because it doesn't take the same form as someone else's
inspiration doesn't negate it.

Which is a good thing, if you think about it: if "creative inspiration" were
all identical, we'd all make exactly the same quilt. Very boring. <g>

--pig

On 5/25/04 06:09, jalts...@comcast.net opined:

[Piglet]

Now I have issues with this which spiral down to the "definition of art".
Who decides if it's art?

Definitions have changed radically over the centuries. In all the arts,
there are folks who were considered brilliant artists in their time that
later generations looked at and shuddered---and folks who were considered
journeyman hacks in their own time that later generations have re-evaluated.

Just to throw out one example, how about a church organist who cranked out
buckets and buckets of bits on demand, met the purpose, but weren't
considered particularly good---just bits to get through another Sunday,
another feast day. Paid adequately---mostly---as a church organist.
Utterly forgettable, and *was* forgotten for over a century by musicians and
audiences.

<scroll>

Dude called Johann Sebastian Bach. Yeah, just another no-talent hack.

--pig

On 5/25/04 14:14, nigh...@uir.zzn.com opined:

[caldw...@webtv.net]

I agree with you, Julia. Our Guild has given us our new challenge.... to
create a traditional pattern with a new. modern twist. I'm working on an
Amish Square in a Square in traditional blue and black, but also using
some Razzle Dazzle corner squares with dragonflies, and trapunto
quilting. So far I'm pleased with it. Nancycog in MD

[Leslie in Missouri]

This thread got me thinking. One of the very, very saddest things I
have heard was a friend that spoke to a publisher of quilting books and
the publisher told her that MANY quilters WANT to make the quilts
EXACTLY as pictured in the books- this means using EXACTLY the same,
identical fabrics! Not just the general color scheme..... the EXACT
same fabrics.

Sad. Very sad.

Leslie- who likes to get wild and crazy.... but only with quilts! ;-)

The HairyFacedOnes 'N Me- My dogs aren't my whole life...they make my
life whole.

RCTQ- Houston 2004..... A good friend will come and bail you out of
jail.... but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn...
that was fun!"

[Julia Altshuler]

Yes, this is largely responsible for my interest in quilting, and I
suspect this is it for many others too. One can take a beginning class,
learn some basic skills, buy reasonably good fabric, and make something
quite good. Not award winning, but good. I do not come from a sewing
and quilting tradition so even finishing my first project was enough to
make everyone I knew drop their jaws in amazement. You MADE that? It
didn't have to be excellent; it didn't even have to be good. Just the
idea that I'd put scissors to fabric was astounding. My mother can't
sew on a button. (And Dad can't change a tire. The wealth of parents'
lack of practical knowledge could fill books.)

--Lia

[Julia Altshuler]

georg wrote:

> Quilt classes rarely teach artistic ability. They seem to be more
> focused on teaching a technique or pattern, or explaining color theory.

True. Quilt classes do tend to promise to teach a technique. If I did
find a quilt class that focused on artistic ability, I like to think I'd
jump at it. I've considered art history or drawing classes at my local
state college. (Except that I had an awful experience with an
incompetent teacher in the English department and have been wary of
going back. English is a subject where I know when the prof is talking
out of her ass. I'm scared with art where I'd believe anything.) But
look at our collective reaction to Nancy Crow's class where she asks her
students to bring 60 yards of fabric. That's an art class, and we all
objected to the expense.

--Lia

[Julia Altshuler]

You've hit on something that has been bothering me for ages. I always
wanted to learn how to draw. I asked specifically for instruction.
Everyone was so busy encouraging us (the children) to be creative that
they (the adults) couldn't realize that "creative" became a buzz word
for "we're not telling." Other people could draw realistically, but I
can't.

It is true that we (the society) do teach basic skills in reading and
math to those who aren't naturally gifted in those subjects, but even
there, we make such a big deal out of encouraging students to
concentrate in what they're good at that we don't realize that that's
become another buzzword for not teaching. If school is for teaching
what we don't know, why do we keep getting told to take classes in
subjects that we already know?

--Lia

[Leigh Harris]

"Julia Altshuler" wrote

> I know I can learn because my latest quilts are far better than my
> earlier ones. I also believe I'll never be as good as McDowell or
> Grotrian. It is that which accounts for what I call the "sinking
> feeling in my stomach." I get it after every show I attend. I walk
> around in awe of the sheer beauty surrounding me and feel inadequate for
> a week afterwards. Then slowly I pick myself up and dust myself off,
> read the notes I took on the back of my program on specific points of
> how I can improve my design, and get back to work.

I find myself reacting in just the opposite way when I go to a quilt show. I
get inspired by what I see and go away with ideas of what I might be able to
try. As I have only been quilting for a couple of years, my experience is
rather limited, but that doesn't stop the ideas. I may never actually do any
of it, but I sure can dream!
--
Leigh
Perth, Western Australia
Real email is bearleigh at bigpond dot com

[Patti]

But there are 'elements' of drawing which *can* be taught. For example,
almost anyone can be taught the principles of perspective. But I do not
believe that anyone can be taught *how* to create a picture in the first
place.
Precisely the same as with quilting.
.
In article <IuTsc.61810$gr.5970264@attbi_s52>, Julia Altshuler
<jalts...@comcast.net> writes

>You've hit on something that has been bothering me for ages. I always
>wanted to learn how to draw. I asked specifically for instruction.
>Everyone was so busy encouraging us (the children) to be creative that
>they (the adults) couldn't realize that "creative" became a buzz word
>for "we're not telling." Other people could draw realistically, but I
>can't.
>
>
>It is true that we (the society) do teach basic skills in reading and
>math to those who aren't naturally gifted in those subjects, but even
>there, we make such a big deal out of encouraging students to
>concentrate in what they're good at that we don't realize that that's
>become another buzzword for not teaching. If school is for teaching
>what we don't know, why do we keep getting told to take classes in
>subjects that we already know?
>
>
>--Lia

--

[Patti]

Absolutely right!
A really succinct way of summing up the puzzle.
Thanks Diana!
.
In article <SDPsc.1868$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net>, Diana Curtis
<mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> writes

>This explains why the group that tried to imitate the Beatles never made it
>big. ;-)
>Diana

[Natalie]

After over a decade of being told I could not draw, and never could, I
took two classes in a row, and committed myself to learning this art. I
was never great at it, but I learned. I learned how to see all over
again. It was amazing. No one in my family (who in general have great
faith in me and my ability to do anything) really thought I would ever
produce anything much more than a stick figure. And one year latter I
could, and to my surprise, it is a talent I carry with me.

Good luck in your studies!

:),
Natalie

[caldw...@webtv.net]

No, No, Leslie, not sad at all. When you are a timid beginner, you want
to try copying successful techniques, patterns, color combinations that
work. It's a learning process that gives you confidence and experience
with good results. My second and third quilts were made from kits, and
I learned a lot. Nancycog in MD

[Diana Curtis]

Its sad, but then the quilter is assured of making a quilt that pleases
them. When I consider how much money gets put into a quilt, even using
fabric from the discount rack at the LQS, I can see why some want to play it
safe. It seems forgivable for a new quilter to want some of the choices made
for him/her. No excuses tho, once they have a few quilts on their resume.
;-)
Diana

"Leslie in Missouri" <petey...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:17715-40B...@storefull-3213.bay.webtv.net...

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[Patti]

And that, of course, is exactly the right attitude.
You keep it up, Leigh. You'll go far (should you want to!).
.
In article <rwWsc.11314$L.7...@news-server.bigpond.net.au>, Leigh Harris
<bear...@bigpond.com> writes

--

[Marcella Tracy Peek]

In article <17715-40B...@storefull-3213.bay.webtv.net>,

petey...@webtv.net (Leslie in Missouri) wrote:

> This thread got me thinking. One of the very, very saddest things I
> have heard was a friend that spoke to a publisher of quilting books and
> the publisher told her that MANY quilters WANT to make the quilts
> EXACTLY as pictured in the books- this means using EXACTLY the same,
> identical fabrics! Not just the general color scheme..... the EXACT
> same fabrics.
>
> Sad. Very sad.
>
> Leslie- who likes to get wild and crazy.... but only with quilts! ;-)

Absolutely true. I even worked at a shop where the owner wanted the
sample quilts to be very similar to the quilt pictured in the pattern
because so many customers were dismayed to see something that looked
different from the picture. I've had classes cancelled because students
interested could not get fabrics similar enough to my sample and dropped
out of the class.

I blame it on the "quilt in a day" mentality. Meaning, all the focus on
"project" classes v. focusing on "process" classes where people learn
some technique and then are guided to make their own unique project from
there. Now I rarely will teach a project class. It's no fun seeing 12
virtually identical quilts. blech.

marcella

[Ellison]

Howdy!
Same here, Leigh; I like to get new ideas while looking at quilts.
If I felt bad or down after a quilt show, I'd stop going to quilt shows. <g>
Different quilt artists have found what works for them; I don't consider
any of them to be better quilters or quilt designers than the
average quilter/design, just successful at their style.
The prize winners probably don't make and show their fantastic work
to make the viewers feel less confident or satisfied w/ the viewers' work.
<G>
Many of the finest quilters don't enter shows,
fewer people see their quilts; it's a personal choice. I respect that.

Ragmop/Sandy--undaunted ;-)

"Leigh Harris" <bear...@bigpond.com> wrote in message
news:rwWsc.11314$L.7...@news-server.bigpond.net.au...

[the black rose]

Diana Curtis wrote:
> This explains why the group that tried to imitate the Beatles never made it
> big. ;-)

Hey, I *liked* the Monkeys.

*blink*

You do mean the Monkeys, right?

*ducks and runs*

--
the black rose, wench with a wrench
proud to be owned by a yorkie
http://community.webshots.com/user/blackrosequilts

[Pati Cook]

I agree so much with a lot of what is being said here in this thread. How
many of us can write? We all compose and post answers and such here on the
news group. But how many of us can write a compelling, totally fictional
tale? Especially of length to be a novel?

We all can sew two pieces of fabric together. We all can, with or with out
help, select fabrics to put together. We can all choose a pattern to
follow, or modify or make up. But truly wonderful awe-some work is not that
common. And what is truly wonderful awe-some work for me may not be for
you.

My husband insists that I am an artist......... I see myself more as a
somewhat creative technician, with a very warped sense of humor that
occasionally shows in my work.

I am happy doing what I do. I am happiest when I can help teach others
techniques/skills to tap into the creative side of their own. Even when
teaching a class that is oriented to a project I encourage people to make
decisions about the project, provide room for creative asides and such.
Even as a beginner, I hated to make something just like anyone else's. Had
to be different in some way. I'm still that way about classes I take. I am
the one in the class that does something different in some way..........
just because that is me. <G>

Pati, in Phx.

[Tia Mary-remove nekoluvr to reply]

>From: Pati Cook pl...@mindspring.com

>...... We all can sew two pieces of fabric together. We all can, with or with

out
>help, select fabrics to put together. We can all choose a pattern to
>follow, or modify or make up. But truly wonderful awe-some work is not that
>common. And what is truly wonderful awe-some work for me may not be for

>you. ......

I think this is the difference between being skilled and being talented.
You can *learn* a specific skill and you can become an expert at it. But
becoming an expert doesn't mean you have that something indeinfable -- that
spark of creativity that is so effortless for the truly talented individual.
I don't think you can *learn* to be talented -- that's something you are
born with. I looked up talent in the dictionary and it is defined as a
*natural* ability. It's that certain *something* a person just seems to have a
knack for. I remember an old M*A*S*H* episode where Charles has a patient who
was a concert pianist. The young man lost his right hand in combat and felt
that his piano playing life was over. Charles made a very impassioned plea to
the young man to learn pieces that are for the left hand only. Charles made
the point that he, himself, was a *technically* excellent at pianist. But he
didn't have that certain something -- that spark within his sould, the ability
to **fell** the music -- make the instrument sing and take an audience beyond
the concert hall while listening to him play. Charles said he had skill but
not talent.
For those of us who don't have that creative *spark* we need to work at
increasing our skill level. The satisfaction we get from being skilled is
every bit as legitimate as that a "talented" person feels. CiaoMeow >^;;^<
.

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< Queen of Kitties
Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their
WHISKERS!!
Nothing is complete without a few cat hairs!
Online Photos at http://community.webshots.com/user/tiamary

[Patti]

Now that is an enormously important 'summing up'. I agree with it 100%
- and wish I'd thought of it >g<

(I remember that MASH episode too!)

*Thanks* Tia Mary. I might even make a small quilt with that on it and
hang it on my sewing room wall.
.
In article <20040526232911...@mb-m22.aol.com>, Tia
Mary-remove nekoluvr to reply <catwo...@aol.comnekoluvr> writes
snipped

> For those of us who don't have that creative *spark* we need to work at
>increasing our skill level. The satisfaction we get from being skilled is
>every bit as legitimate as that a "talented" person feels. CiaoMeow >^;;^<
>.
>
>
>PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< Queen of Kitties
>Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their
>WHISKERS!!
>Nothing is complete without a few cat hairs!
>Online Photos at http://community.webshots.com/user/tiamary

--

[L]

"Leslie in Missouri" <petey...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:17715-40B...@storefull-3213.bay.webtv.net...

> This thread got me thinking. One of the very, very saddest things I
> have heard was a friend that spoke to a publisher of quilting books and
> the publisher told her that MANY quilters WANT to make the quilts
> EXACTLY as pictured in the books- this means using EXACTLY the same,
> identical fabrics! Not just the general color scheme..... the EXACT
> same fabrics.
>
> Sad. Very sad.
>

Not sad at all!
I remember reading an article about 'copy cats'. (I believe it was in a
quilt magazine, an editorial from a quiltmaker who teaches). Seems that
'copy cat' is a bad word in grade school and in this culture.... but in
other cultures copying is considered a learning tool. The article stated
that in Japanese art 'counterfeits' were common --- because several ancient
Japanese artists perfected their skills, creating EXACT DUPLICATES of the
works of those who created before them. With the design and material choices
already made, the focus can be placed on the craft and the workmanship.

And, there are other values to copying. Think of it. You see a quilt you
simply must have. And, it's not for sale. BUT you can purchase a pattern and
a fabric kit and obtain that item. Only it's better than if you bought it --
you MADE it. Your efforts and the quality of your workmanship are an
integral to the item.

Now, isn't that nice?

[Diana Curtis]

What a wonderful way to look at this subject. Thank you L.
I still think for a new comer to the sport a copy, or kit isnt a shameful
way to go but at some point it is nice to see some confidence and daring
creep in. Its a handy tool too, since who among us has not been caught short
of materials on a specific project? Its fun to go thru hundreds of materials
trying to find something else to coordinate with what is already there.
Diana

"L" <lisaann...@hothatesspammail.com> wrote in message
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[Ellison]

Howdy!
A significant amount of Japanese artwork was copied from the
Koreans, partly as a result of earlier turf wars and kidnappings.
Koreans were the artists of renown, not necessarily the best warriors.
Just like w/ the automobile industry, Japan learned to copy from the best.
<g>

When I worked in the quilt shop, it was never a negative issue when
a customer said, "I want to make a quilt just like that one!" including
duplicate fabric or as near-matching as possible. The quilt displayed
on the walls or the cover of a book was what got the person's attention,
it spoke to her(him), made her stop and say, "That's what I want to do!"
I remember several new quilters who fell in love w/ the Watercolor
technique,
made several quilts just like the ones in the books, then moved on to
another
type of quilt. It was a good start.
We asked the teachers to use the shop fabric so we could help the students
duplicate the work, using the same or similar fabric along w/ learning the
techniques. Nothing wrong with that.
Why put it out there on the market if we don't expect someone to want one
very much like it? <g>

Thanks for the comments, LisaAnne.

Ragmop/Sandy

"L" <lisaann...@hothatesspammail.com> wrote in message
news:qVqtc.59534$cz5.24...@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net...

[Lisa Ellis]

L wrote:

>
> Not sad at all!
> I remember reading an article about 'copy cats'. (I believe it was in a
> quilt magazine, an editorial from a quiltmaker who teaches). Seems that
> 'copy cat' is a bad word in grade school and in this culture.... but in
> other cultures copying is considered a learning tool. The article stated
> that in Japanese art 'counterfeits' were common --- because several ancient
> Japanese artists perfected their skills, creating EXACT DUPLICATES of the
> works of those who created before them. With the design and material choices
> already made, the focus can be placed on the craft and the workmanship.
>
>

While I've never made an exact copy of a quilt; I have modeled many a
quilt after ones I've seen. If I had to come with orignal ideas 100% of
the time I would never make a quilt.

lisae

[Sharon Harper]

I see both sides of this - it's sad in that the person who wants to make the
exact same thing can't see *beyond* the item - different fabrics, same
colour scheme or even different colours. It's sad that they think that that
item, or picture is exactly as it must be. But then again by using the
exact same fabric it does indeed take some of the hard work away - Lord
knows I agonise over my colours - would this print look better, or this
colour? Some people manage to throw together a whole batch of colours and
they look perfect, others (like me!) don't have that flair!

--
Sharon From Melbourne Australia (Queen of Down Under)
http://www.geocities.com/shazrules/craft.html

"L" <lisaann...@hothatesspammail.com> wrote in message
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[Sharon Harper]

Hey sometimes kits are good, even for us more "experienced" peoples! You
know, you see the quilt, you want it *right right NOW* - a kit is the easy
way to get it. I'll admit, they have their places.

--
Sharon From Melbourne Australia (Queen of Down Under)
http://www.geocities.com/shazrules/craft.html

"Diana Curtis" <mdcu...@baldwin-sodatelecom.net> wrote in message
news:%srtc.1905$KG2....@reggie.win.bright.net...

[Diana Curtis]

I was talking to our Lisa C today about this very subject. She was telling
me about a gal she knows who makes wonderful colorwash quilts, taking a
whole day to make the final choices in the materials sometimes, simply
because the whole effect demands careful choices. So, I have to agree with
you, kits have their places and after all, the whole idea is to make a
quilt, to have one at the end, no matter if its a kit, pattern or just plain
old scrap or tossed together from stash on hand.
And I agree that its the quilters who never dare to envision their own
fabric choices, who wont dare to make mistakes that sadden us.
Diana
"Sharon Harper" <shar...@optusnet.com.au> wrote in message
news:40b66598$0$31675$afc3...@news.optusnet.com.au...

[Roberta Zollner]

Maybe it's a different issue for textiles, but we used to copy photos and
paintings we liked in order to learn oil/acrylic painting. Figuring out how
to achieve the same colors and light effects is a great learning challenge.
I think it's only sad if a quilter never moves forward and just keeps
repeating the same techniques forever. Although if making a series of
identical log cabins , for example, is someone's road to satisfaction, who
am I to nitpick? After all, there are plenty of "textile artists" who make a
series of almost identical pieces with slight color variations from one
piece to the next. And when you hang all of them next to each other, we call
it art.
Roberta in D

"L" <lisaann...@hothatesspammail.com> wrote in message
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[Dr. Quilter]

well, there is technical stuff you can learn, and some aspects of colour
theory, contrast, etc. that come with practice. but if you lack
imagination, it does not matter how many classes you take, you will not
learn that. you can learn how to be a good imitator, but not original.

Julia Altshuler wrote:
> If artistic ability is ONLY a matter of talent, then there's no point in
> all those quilt classes we all take and teach. Why bother if we can't
> learn from them?

--
Dr. Quilter
Ambassador of Extraordinary Aliens
http://community.webshots.com/user/mvignali
(take the dog out before replying)

[Dr. Quilter]

same here. I get bored if I do exactly what the pattern calls for. I do
not understand it when I read about some quilter obsessed because she
cannot find the exact fabric used in the quilt displayed in a
magazine/kit/shop sample - as if there was only one way of doing the
quilt, only one perfect choice of fabric and colour!

~KK~ in B.C. wrote:

> Everything I sew/craft is an original in it's own way whether or not the
> idea came from a pattern. I look at things, or read a pattern, and then off
> I go in my own direction to do what I can or want to do with the ideas that
> seep into my head. What fun would it be if everyone only followed directions
> to the tee and made all the exact same stuff anyway? I prefer to be creative
> in my thinking even if the original ideas came from something already made
> or patterened<sp?>