Let’s Get Real: Confessions of a Messy Quilter

As a maker, it’s hard putting your work out there for fear it won’t be good enough. I feel this especially with quilting. I’ve been making quilts for about 6 years, but got really into it 4 years ago. I’ve had plenty of friends and family tell me they love what I make, but I still struggle to see my work the way they do.

Even if all I see is the imperfections in my quilts, I still love each one I’ve made. At the same time, I’m always afraid when I post my photos and tutorials that someone will rip me apart for not doing it right.

For many years, I let that fear get the best of me. I delayed blogging because I didn’t think I was good enough or experienced enough to put myself out there.

It doesn’t help that the culture of social media is usually to show your best, perfect life. Although I’ve noticed a lot more realistic and authentic posts in the last few years, I feel like social media is still a place where everyone tries to only show the best version of themselves. I do it too.

I’m willing to admit I’m an imperfect, sometimes messy quilter, and I’m okay with that. A lot of the techniques in my blog are not the “official” way to do things. I don’t sew perfect quilt blocks or follow the rules when knitting or doing pretty much any other craft. But that’s what makes it fun for me. I know myself — waiting until I’m “perfect” means I’ll never do anything because perfection is completely arbitrary and unattainable.

Why not? What are you waiting for? 

These are two mantras I’ve been repeating a lot lately. More often than not, the answer for me is money, motivation, or permission. Not just in writing and crafting, but in my life overall.

As my personal reasons go, money is the only one that’s valid. A lot of art and craft supplies are prohibitively expensive. This is especially true if you’re into painting, quilting, candle making — or knitting if you have a penchant for hand-dyed colorways. There are ways to buy more affordable supplies for these hobbies, but you usually sacrifice quality, which in turn makes your crafting experience less enjoyable. 

As for motivation and permission, these are things I’m trying to get over. Motivation is hard because you have to change your routine and try something new and stick with it. I also struggle with motivation because it’s so easy for me to get caught in the comparing mindset. Every time I see a beautiful quilt I feel equally inspired and intimidated. I often have a hard time moving past the feelings of inadequacy that tend to creep in after seeing someone else’s amazing work.

Which also relates to my last excuse…

Waiting for Permission

I can’t tell you how many false starts I’ve had trying to make blogs or social media pages to share my work. I always told myself things like “you’re not an expert, so you shouldn’t be telling other people how to do things,” or “what if you mess something up horribly and someone calls you out on it?”

I rarely let myself ask more important questions, like “what if people love your stuff and feel inspired?” After all, that’s always been my goal. I know not everyone will love what I make. But I also know that I’m not the only one who makes quilt blocks that don’t line up, sews crooked hems, or drops knitting stitches without noticing.

I wanted to write a blog that gives you permission to be imperfect when making crafts too. Maybe your stitches aren’t always straight or you make accidental holes in your knitting. But I don’t think you should let those things keep you from trying. If crafts make you happy, you should craft without comparing yourself to the “experts.”

Even though I’ve been sewing since I was a kid and knitting for 18 years, I still feel like I’m not “good enough.” My friends frequently tell me they love the things I make, but I still feel like an imposter.

Chances are, many of the people who inspire you are also intimidated by others and feel like they’re not good enough. Imposter syndrome is real.

Go For It

My goal with this blog is to inspire you, give you fun ideas, and give you permission to just go for it without worrying so much about whether everything will look perfect. I don’t claim to be a professional sewist or knitter. I know there are better, smarter, and prettier ways to make most everything I make on this blog.

But I also know I’m not the only one who does nothing for fear of not being good enough.